Constructionism, Technology, and the Classroom

This week we took a look at the constructionist learning theory which suggests that the best learning happens when learners are engaged in the construction of a physical artifact that can be shared with others (Orey, 2001). This artifact can be anything from a written or typed paper to model of the solar system.

In looking at the instructional strategy of "generating and testing hypotheses" as presented in chapter nine of Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, it is evident that constructionism is a tremendously valid theory to support this strategy (Pitler, Hubbell, & Kuhn, 2012). The first thing that came to my mind when I read this chapter, was the strategy that we use for science. SWH or Science Writing Heuristic approach engages students to act and think more like scientists. The SWH approach was actually developed in 1998 at the University of Iowa, a mere hour and twenty minutes from my front door. Here is a quick video introduction to the SWH approach.

I do not teach science, but I could in the future. I am working with the other fifth grade teacher who has had this training to learn more about how to conduct the claims and evidence. Students make their claims about a certain topic, and then find evidence to support their claims. What may happen is the assimilation and accomodation that Dr. Orey discussed in the media segment about the mechanisms for learning in the constructionist theory. Students may find that the schema that they posses is supported by their research, or they may find that their schema must be altered based upon what they have discovered.
Currently, our science teacher has students do their claims and evidence using large poster paper and their science notebooks. It would be very easy to use organizing and brainstorming software that was discussed in the text (Pitler, et al., 2012). For example, the organizers they mentioned, kidspiration or inspiration could be a great tool to organize their research. They could also use spiderscribe.net, which is the tool I used last week for my concept map, and I loved it.
In summary, there are so many great ways to allow students to really take charge of their own learning. By using the constructionist theory as well as an approach like generating and testing hypothesis, students really get a chance to pull in and make connections like never before. Technology offers those tools that will allow students to grow in their knowledge, understanding, and creativity like never before.

Resources

Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.). Constructionist and constructivist learning theories [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using technology with classroom instruction that works (2^nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD. 

University of Iowa College of Education. (2014, May 6). The Science Writing Heuristic Approach [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vaA-Nt_Ahc.

* For more information on SWH visit http://www.education.uiowa.edu/projects/science-writing-heuristic