CONSTRUCTIVISM
The constructivist learning theory centralizes learning around experimentation and socialization. An educator in this learning theory transitions from being a "sage on the stage" to a "guide on the side". Two of the major contributors of the constructivist learning theory were Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky. Jean Piaget primarily focused on the four stages of cognitive development and Lev Vygotsky primarily focused on human learning through social interaction. Both viewed "learning as an active process of constructing rather than acquiring knowledge" (p. 61). The beauty of the constructivist learning theory is that it is more student-centered rather than teacher-centered. Contrary to the behaviorist and cognitivist learning theory, the constructivist learning approach motivates students' to be active learners and take full responsibility of all their learning experiences. Learning takes place when the students are able to make real world connections and translate learning experiences by collaboration, socialization, experimentation, and most importantly reflection. This learning theory resonates abundantly in my classroom because I admire when students can think outside the box and use critical thinking skills to produce meaningful projects and classroom discussions.
Culen and Gasparini (2012) authored a study that examined the use of the iPad by 5th and 6th grade students in the classroom. The 5th grade students were responsible for obtaining permission from their teacher to use an application that would improve their creative writing skills, while the 6th grade students engineered a school newsletter application that would promote communication and expression that would be made available to the community at large. Although there was an insufficient amount of trials and participants, the brief study showcased influences of social change and the promotion of an active learning environment of collaboration using the iPad.
Culen and Gasparini (2012) authored a study that examined the use of the iPad by 5th and 6th grade students in the classroom. The 5th grade students were responsible for obtaining permission from their teacher to use an application that would improve their creative writing skills, while the 6th grade students engineered a school newsletter application that would promote communication and expression that would be made available to the community at large. Although there was an insufficient amount of trials and participants, the brief study showcased influences of social change and the promotion of an active learning environment of collaboration using the iPad.
TECHNOLOGY-BASED EXAMPLE
Who doesn't remember the infamous frog dissection in middle or junior high? This revolutionary app provides students with an alternative to an actual physical frog dissection while the students use their iPads to perform the virtual simulation dissection. This example illustrates the constructivist learning theory in which students can use exploration and cooperative group learning experiences to perform a task post lecture. The students can share and record their experiences and use the technology in a transformative way that promotes project based learning.
epcot Geometry FIELD TRIP
Domain: K-12; specifically 10th grade Geometry Students
Brief Activity Description: EPCOT Geometric Scavenger Hunt. In the Behaviorism section of my site, I mentioned how my Geometry students would construct a structure unlike any other that is capable of supporting itself and able to withstand most of the world's natural disasters. In a field trip that is scheduled for May of 2014, I will take the Geodesic Dome construction to a whole new level. This field trip is far beyond the traditional mathematics classroom in which the students will construct the 8.5 geodesic dome in Orlando, FL and then engage in a geometric scavenger hunt in EPCOT. The students will divide into teams and will undergo through a series of mini challenges that would require them to use effective communication skills and critical thinking skills to seek through the different World Showcases at the park. Using their iPads, the students will take photographs of each of the items listed in the scavenger hunt and compose a brief 2 minute video of their discoveries. This field trip is a perfect transformative activity that illustrates the constructivist learning theory in which students can connect the concepts discussed in class in a real-world context.
Brief Activity Description: EPCOT Geometric Scavenger Hunt. In the Behaviorism section of my site, I mentioned how my Geometry students would construct a structure unlike any other that is capable of supporting itself and able to withstand most of the world's natural disasters. In a field trip that is scheduled for May of 2014, I will take the Geodesic Dome construction to a whole new level. This field trip is far beyond the traditional mathematics classroom in which the students will construct the 8.5 geodesic dome in Orlando, FL and then engage in a geometric scavenger hunt in EPCOT. The students will divide into teams and will undergo through a series of mini challenges that would require them to use effective communication skills and critical thinking skills to seek through the different World Showcases at the park. Using their iPads, the students will take photographs of each of the items listed in the scavenger hunt and compose a brief 2 minute video of their discoveries. This field trip is a perfect transformative activity that illustrates the constructivist learning theory in which students can connect the concepts discussed in class in a real-world context.