Constructionism

Constructionism is what I would call hands on learning. According to Dr. Orey, constructionism states “that new ideas are most likely to be created when learners are actively engaged in building some type of external artifact that they can reflect upon and share with others” (Orey, 2001). I think it can place a student in the ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development), which is the difference between what a student can do with a MKO (More Knowledgeable Other) and what they can do by themselves (Learning-theories.com, 2013). When students are creating as they learn they are able to ask questions, have that hands-on understanding, and create their own understanding. Constructionism involves many different elements including rubrics, “presentation of work, Learner collaboration, Learners engaging in "genuine," authentic real-world tasks” (Orey, 2001). In the resources this week I read about generating and testing hypotheses. Both of these ideas correlate with the ideas of constructionism. According to the book Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works it states “four processes that teachers can use to help students generate and test hypotheses are (1) system analysis, (2) problem solving, (3) experimental inquiry, and (4) investigation” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, 2012). These tasks have students doing research, presentation of that research, asking and answering questions, and working together. These require critical thinking skills and depth of knowledge that we want to engage our students in. Technology is an essential tool for making generating and testing hypotheses easier. With new software students “spend more time interpreting the data rather than gathering data”, it allows for more inquire based thinking (Pitler et al. 2012, p. 205). Learning-Theories.com. (2013). Social Development Theory (Vygotsky). Retrieved from Learning-Theories.com: http://www.learning-theories.com/vygotskys-social-learning-theory.html Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using technology with classroom instruction that works (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.