Constructionist/constructivist

Through the use of project-based learning and technology, students are following the constructionist/constructivist learning theory. By using technology to create power point presentations, concept maps, and other programs, students are able to have a sense of ownership for their learning. Project learning allows the focus to be moved from the teacher to student centered. The "artifacts" that they create demonstrate the learning process has taken place. Students learn best when they make connections to what they are being taught.

Virtual field trips are one of my favorite new strategies that I am excited about using next year. Students are able to experience many new exciting places and events that they might not otherwise be able to without leaving the classroom. Concept maps, power point, or wikis can be used as tools to help the student make connections.

Note taking and summarizing is another strategy that was explored this week. Note taking focuses on students being able to gather information and turning it into something new. Good note taking is important as elementary students move into middle, high and then into college. Being able to take notes that make sense, because if they are not good auditory learners, they will not be able to recall the information they have heard. However, if they are taught how to take notes at an early age, they will become better learners. Each child learns in his or her own way and they will come to their own conclusions and make decisions based on the knowledge they have built.
Gayla

Cognitivism in Practice

Common strategies that teachers use are cues, questions, summarizing and note taking. However, using concept maps and graphic organizers lets the students read and see what the lesson is about. The more ways a topic can be presented, the more the students are likely to remember what they have been taught and be able to recall the information. Using advanced organizers can be helpful when teaching a new subject (Pilter, Hubbell, Huhn, & Malenoski,2007). Organizers help students understand information that may be difficult to recall. Summarizing and note taking is another strategy that can be used to help student retain information. Virtual field trips help students make connections that help them remember important details. They are also more interesting then just reading from a book or listening to the teacher lecture. All of these strategies fit the cognitive learning theory.
I am excited about using more concepts maps next school year, rather than just using graphic organizers without guided questions. I am also excited about using virtual field trips, which I have never used, to help my students explore more interesting topics, outside of what is in our text books.
During this last week of school, my team teacher and I took our students to our school computer lab and I was able to take them on a virtual field trip to Yellow Stone National Park. There is a scavenger hunt we did as a class and then we watched a live streaming video of a geyser erupting. They were so into the lesson that they did not want to leave the lab. So, I know that by exploring one virtual field trip, without much preparation, I am sure that next year I will grab my students interest and keep their attention, and they will remember what they learned. I am excited and ready too, because it will be something different rather than just reading and taking notes.

Reference:
Pilter, Howard, Hubbel, Elizabeth, Kuhn, Matt & Malenoski, Kim. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria: ASCD

Behaviorism

With our ever changing world we need to utilize technology in the classroom so that our student will be prepare for the working environment after graduation.
For students to be able to monitor their own level of success, academics and behavior must be enforced in the classroom. Student's don't always realize the importance of believing effort(Pilter, Hubbel, Huhn, & Malenoski,2007). A way to involve students in monitoring their efforts is to use rubrics for projects as well as for classroom assignments. Rubrics can be with very little effort by the teacher because of the many rubric programs available. An easy way to produce a rubric is by using a spreadsheet. Rubrics should be easy to follow and student friendly. This is an example of behaviorist learning theory that students want to have good behavior, that gives them the opportunity to see their progress and results. Therefore, they will know if they are doing poorly and why and they can see the positive effects of their work. They will see what they need to do to get the results they want.
Homework and practice are areas where behaviorism put into practice in learning. Homework should have a purpose and feedback should be timely. Immediate feedback serves as a reinforment to students as they practice a specific skill, thus changing the behavior and developing learning and understanding (Orey, 2001). Student showing effort and having homework to reinforce skills that are being taught are very important and all contribute to a child's success. Dr. Orey states "you want them to show they are learning something"(Laureate, Inc. 2008). Through the use of rubrics students know what is expected of them and by teachers using the collected data to assess the students performance, teachers are following the behaviorist learning theory.

References:
Laureate Education Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program four. Behaviorist Learning Theory[Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore: Author.

Orey, M.(Ed.) (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/

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