When students generate and test hypotheses, they are engaging in complex mental processes, applying content knowledge like facts and vocabulary, and enhancing their overall understanding of content (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2008). To me this is definitely a way of creating of the artifact. Students are active and engaged in constructing the artifacts (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011). When a student generates and test hypotheses, it is not an absolute thing but has been uniquely constructed in the mind of the student this is constructionism and learning certainly is taking place.
As I read about generating and testing hypotheses and how students would be able to take a situation research it and make predictions it was clear to me how that correlates with constructionism. In this learning environment, the instructor acts as a facilitator and guides the learners along the paths of learning. Learners are assigned tasks in which they must implement particular instructional goals. They investigate, create, and solve problems (Han & Bhattacharya, 2001). To me the main focus of the instructional strategy and constructionism is to make sure the learner is involved with the entire process from start to finish and feels are part of the process.
Reference:
Han, S., and Bhattacharya, K. (2001). Constructionism, Learning by Design, and Project Based Learning. In M. Orey (Ed), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved 1/22/2012, from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer) (2011). Program seven: Constructionist and constructivist leanring theories [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&Coursenav=o&bhcp=1
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Melenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA ASCD.
I agree that the main focus of generating and testing hypotheses and constructionism both have the main focus of making sure the learner is involved. These strategies all are created to make the learner be accountable for the finished product: knowledge.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, and at least for me, it doesn't hurt to keep reminding myself of that fact--sometimes projects take on a life of their own and it can be easy to lose sight of the educational objectives in all the flurry! Keeping the educational goals in mind and returning t them at set points is important.
DeleteTonya,
ReplyDeleteYour thoughts about constructionism and using technology to support this theory are similar to my own. I think it is great when the students learn from themselves or through their own thought processes rather than from us telling them the information. It is then that true learning has occurred.
Aimee
Tonya,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your final comment about students feeling like they are a part of the process. This is vital in the attempt to produce engagement. Your comment eloquently summarizes the feelings that are produced in students.
T.J.
Tonya,
ReplyDeleteYou final statement really sums up what I feel constructivism is all about. Through this learning theory, students are not only gaining knowledge, but they have a large piece of ownership in their learning. They are actively engaged while also meeting classroom expectations. As we head into adulthood, this is a skill many will need - the ability to spearhead a project and complete it to satisfy another.
Jocelyn
Tonya-
ReplyDeleteYou're so right about the importance of keeping the learner involved in the entire process. After reading your discussion post this week, it sounds like you do an amazing job with this in your real-world projects. It's so important that students get a chance to think about how to manage money and choose careers in a safe environment where they can afford to make some mistakes and where they can use their critical-thinking skills to work their way through important processes. They're lucky to have you.
It is all about preparation and this is the time for them to do the preparations. Students cannot wait until they are in the situation to plan the foundation needs to be layed and they need to know what is expected of them. We are living in a different world.
Delete