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
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Gayla,
ReplyDeleteI also thought that the virtual field trips are a great way to keep the students engaged with the concept that is being taught. It is a great way to get the students to experience something that they may not be able to experience outside the classroom. Project learning and allowing the students to create different forms of conveying their information is great. The artifacts that they create will demonstrate the level of knowledge that the students have acquired. The students that teach the lesson will then be able to create a connection between what they learned later on. It is also a great way to make connections to what they have learned in class as well.
Gayla,
ReplyDeleteI too will be using Virtual Field Trips in my classroom. My students will also be creating the fieldtrips for other classes. I am excited about seeing my students' production of the VFT.
I think the more ways we can assist students' development of ownership will increase the students' accountability, enjoyment and motivation for learning.
Hi Gayla,
ReplyDeleteI really liked the Virtual Field Trips too. It will be great to show to my kindergarten class and expose them to more of the world. They are such little sponges at this age and it is fun to teach them new things. It is always wonderful when you can teach a unit and then have students follow up with a project to show deeper understanding of what was taught. This has been a great class already.
Thank you for the comments. I agree this has been a great class aleady. I have been so excited about virtual field trips that I have been planning for next year and we just got out of school last Friday.
ReplyDeleteWhen students are able to show they really understand what you have taught, it is a very good feeling. When you see the lights come on and you know you have accomplished the mission and they have taken pride in what they have accomplished.
Do you think making an outline of a chapter is an appropriate method for taking notes? There are a few teachers in our district that teach middle school students that method and preach to its credibility as proper note-taking. I agree with you in that notes should be created however the student desires in order to recall the information later. I tell my students all the time to make sure to get certain pieces of information but advise them not to just look and copy. Those are my notes and they are put in according to how they make sense to me. They should create their own system that is both effective and manageable. Thanks for your posting.
ReplyDeleteKevin