Constructivist/Constructionist Learning Theories

The instructional strategies described in the learning resources for this week, correlate with the principles of constructionism learning theory.  Using technology in the constructionist classroom allows students to be engaged and involved in their own learning.  Pitler et al explain the teacher should use technology to maximize instructional time and meet learning objectives (2007).  Constructionism encourages learning through exploration, creating artifacts, and sharing (Laureate Education Inc., 2008).  

Constructionism is used by teachers for student centered learning, where students are engaged and actively participate in their own learning. Orey explains constructionism by stating “it’s constructing anything using whatever tools you choose to use but it is all focused on the students being active and engaged in the constructing of artifacts. That is what constructionism is all about.” (Laureate 2008).

A project that I had my 5th and 4th grade reading/language arts class complete, was to make a “glog” to demonstrate their understanding of the books they were reading in literature circles. They worked in pairs to create their glog on edu.glogster.com. They were given a rubric, and certain criteria in order to demonstrate their understanding of setting, plot, problem/solution, and a response to literature. They were so engaged in the project, that they could not wait to work on their glogs and would login at home, at the library, and relatives homes just so they could continue to create these magnificent posters of their work, adding images, music, and graphics along with the text.

This weekend I will be grading the glogs, and next week my classes will have a presentation for our principal and reading specialist to show off their knowledge, and their wonderful creativity, and work.

The constructionism learning theory states people learn best when they build an external artifact or something they can share with others (Laureate Education, 2008). The glogs my students created for this project was completed by them building an external artifact, they will share with the class and with members of the faculty in our school.

References

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program seven. Constructionist and Constructivist Learning Theories [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore: Author.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.