Constructionism is a theory that states people learn best when they build an external artifact or something they can share with others.
In order for this to work first hand knowledge is vitally important to be able to relay the information accurately. This mechanism for learning occurs at times by one;s beliefs and understandings being altered to the external reality. This method can cause a city, state, country, or even the world to see things in a different light.
The important part of Constructionism is the students are engaged in learning and the process of creating an artifact. Giving students the ability to have ownership to their learning as well as the education of others is a stimulating tool for producing a great learning environment. 'This is will promote learning for students 'with' computers as oppesed to learning 'from' computers'. (Lajoie & Derry, 1993)
Its easy to get into theory and perception of what types of learning styles are best. There are a wide variety of theories and practices associated with designing, developing, using, managing, and ultimately evaluating both the teaching-learning process and the technological resources used to implement that process' (Lever-Duffy& mcdonald 2008). Bottom line, every teacher how knows their students learn best. All teachers need to incorporate the different teaching styles and learning theories in order for all of their students to be a success and understand the material to the full extent.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Cognitive learning theories and practices
Cognitive learning theory is primarily revolved around information processing(Orey, 2009)
It is vital and important for students to know how to take notes and summarize information in their long term memory. A 'primary tool and mechanism for storing information into long term memory is elaboration'(Orey, 2009). In order to transfer data into long term memory as many connections as possible have to be made. As teachers finding those connections is our job and challenge. Having organizers and other similar resources truly helps each student retain information by association and assist the learner in the objective of organizing information that is needed and by rehearsal can be stored into long term memory.
Virtual field trips are new to me as a teaching professional for the field that I'm in. I can see how this is fun, helpful and very educational. Being able to take these trips gives the student the feeling that they have left the mundane structure of the classroom and journeyed to a place beyond normal reach. The connections made during this type of trip is valuable to where it will be remembered and rehearsed cognitively. I thoroughly enjoyed my explorations this week through the various trips that are availiable to educators. I can see taking my class on one of these trips soon!!
The only question is, How do you take your P.E. class on a virtual field trip? I will have to ponder this thought.
Resources: Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore: Author.
It is vital and important for students to know how to take notes and summarize information in their long term memory. A 'primary tool and mechanism for storing information into long term memory is elaboration'(Orey, 2009). In order to transfer data into long term memory as many connections as possible have to be made. As teachers finding those connections is our job and challenge. Having organizers and other similar resources truly helps each student retain information by association and assist the learner in the objective of organizing information that is needed and by rehearsal can be stored into long term memory.
Virtual field trips are new to me as a teaching professional for the field that I'm in. I can see how this is fun, helpful and very educational. Being able to take these trips gives the student the feeling that they have left the mundane structure of the classroom and journeyed to a place beyond normal reach. The connections made during this type of trip is valuable to where it will be remembered and rehearsed cognitively. I thoroughly enjoyed my explorations this week through the various trips that are availiable to educators. I can see taking my class on one of these trips soon!!
The only question is, How do you take your P.E. class on a virtual field trip? I will have to ponder this thought.
Resources: Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore: Author.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
"Behaviorism' The measurement and observation of behavior.
"Behaviorism" The measurement and observation of behavior.
Through study of the word "Behaviorism" I have found from the psychologist and theory setting patriarchs of this term that every one of these methods of teaching and instructing are being used everyday in various classrooms across the country and possibly the world. I at times have a stubbornness about me that doesn't always open up to another way of doing things, if I don't feel its right. I can now see how each situation defines itself soley and based upon it compatible teaching methods are vital to achieve the maximum amount of learning.
In my school I choose to focus on positive reinforcement. I have noticed the difference between night and day in my students verses the same students with other teachers. I follow and enforce the same rules that every else does, but positive reinforcement makes a person go the extra mile. Such as; giving a big smile when you see a student doing the right thing or finding a way unique to that person to reward a job well done. I don't believe this is something that is done all day everyday, although I do feel that if a teacher is truly in touch with his/her students the proper time for positive reinforcement will become obvious and quite noticeable.
I find that this method is most effective in dealing with the students who are going down the wrong path and need a little incentive to stay on course. "....When a behavior is unacceptable, it can be replaced by new behaviors..."(Parkay & Hass, 2000). Understanding each students stimuli will be a great assist in finding the thing that makes that individual student "tick" thus supporting the implementation of any behaviorist theory or strategy.
Through study of the word "Behaviorism" I have found from the psychologist and theory setting patriarchs of this term that every one of these methods of teaching and instructing are being used everyday in various classrooms across the country and possibly the world. I at times have a stubbornness about me that doesn't always open up to another way of doing things, if I don't feel its right. I can now see how each situation defines itself soley and based upon it compatible teaching methods are vital to achieve the maximum amount of learning.
In my school I choose to focus on positive reinforcement. I have noticed the difference between night and day in my students verses the same students with other teachers. I follow and enforce the same rules that every else does, but positive reinforcement makes a person go the extra mile. Such as; giving a big smile when you see a student doing the right thing or finding a way unique to that person to reward a job well done. I don't believe this is something that is done all day everyday, although I do feel that if a teacher is truly in touch with his/her students the proper time for positive reinforcement will become obvious and quite noticeable.
I find that this method is most effective in dealing with the students who are going down the wrong path and need a little incentive to stay on course. "....When a behavior is unacceptable, it can be replaced by new behaviors..."(Parkay & Hass, 2000). Understanding each students stimuli will be a great assist in finding the thing that makes that individual student "tick" thus supporting the implementation of any behaviorist theory or strategy.
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