Create an artifact. Those seem to be the key words for this week's topic. What kind of artifacts do we want our students to create? I think most educators want their students to create new connections in their mind between old and new information. But, we also want them to have something tangible to take with them to show their hard work and effort in using this newly acquired knowledge.
A constructivist wants to see their students actively involved in their own learning process. One area that was touched on this week was generating and testing hypotheses. Technology has allowed students to spend more time interpreting data than gathering data (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). A web site like NOVA Building Big allows students to learn about a topic, such as structural building and apply it to a fictional situation. Based on constructivist theory, this new knowledge will either lead to assimilation or accommodation. By being able to test a building's structure for purpose and integrity, the learner can quickly and easily test their hypothesis using the technology on the web site. Dr. Orey reminds us that technology can be used to keep the student fully engaged, and that is a key to the constructivist theory (Laureate Education, 2009). From this internal artifact of knowledge, the student can create in drawing or a model an example of a structure they discovered either proved or disproved their hypothesis.
Personally, I love the constructivist theory of learning. Having students use their knowledge to personally create something is awe inspiring! Because they are totally engaged in the learning process, from research, collaboration, time management, presenting and evaluating, the student is learning to assimilate or accommodate the new information.
Looking back, way back, to my years as an elementary age student, I will have to say that much of what I remember or took from that time were "projects" that I either created by myself or worked on as a group member. One such activity revolved around the pilgrims coming to America. Now we didn't have computers in the mid 70's, but our teacher ordered a simulation for the class. We were put into groups and based on the roll of a die or a card drawn, we earned money to buy supplies, build a ship and sail to the new world. The dice and cards were the masters of our fate while on the ships and once we landed. This activity was a highlight of my 6th grade year, and I remember being so taken with this activity that when I taught 6th grade history about 8 years ago I set out to find something similar to do with my class. Just 2 days ago, I saw a student I taught that year and the first thing he said to me was, "Mrs. Stone, do you know what I remember most about your class in 6th grade? It was that thing we did setting up a colony". Now, I will admit, there wasn't much technology involved, but it made a huge impact on him as it did on me so many years ago.
I'm also excited about finding the web site Project Base Learning http://pbl-online.org/. I've always wanted to create some kind of project, but didn't know where to start. This site looks like a great place to start.
Technology gives us new means to help our students create artifacts whether they are internal or external. It also gives teachers the ability to create artifacts ourselves that we will share with our students.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). 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.
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Denise,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog. I too remember when I was younger and back in Primary school in Australia, projects, were a little different over their. I remember creating a project book on, get this, computers. I wish I still had it today, it would be great to look back at what computers were like in the early 80's. As for your game, I think by you teaching and playing that with your students, says a lot about the kind of teacher you had in the 6th grade. Good for you!!
His name is Mr. Ruha. He was very tough and strick, but I learned so much from him
ReplyDeleteDenise,
ReplyDeleteYour comments were very enjoyable to read. I too think that the constructionist learning theory is inspiring. It can rejuvenate both students' and teachers' passion for education and learning. Having your former student comment on the colony project from your class must have been a very rewarding moment for you. Congratulations!
Heather Streb
Denise,
ReplyDeleteI can remember a similar project I did in sixth grade. Instead of creating a colony, we had to build a bridge. We worked in groups, had to buy budget our money and purchase supplies (wood sticks, glue, etc.), come up with a design, and build a bridge that we tested at the end of the unit for strength and endurance. Not only were we learning about engineering and physics, but we learned about real world skills like budgeting money and working as a team. Like your project, there was little technology involved. But could you imagine the project now, if you added technology tools in? I would love to go back and do our bridge project, but use a computer to design the bridge and use data collection software to keep track of purchases and money spent. Technology would enhance the project that much more.
Erin,
ReplyDeleteWhen I think back to my school experience, it's amazing how many "projects" I can remember, but not many traditional assignments. It really makes me want to look more into PBL!
Denise,
ReplyDeleteI too remember doing different assignments in elementary where constructing was involved. These projects really stick in your mind for years and you never forget the lessons you learned from them. Very inspiring.
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ReplyDeleteDenise,
ReplyDeleteI too remember several projects that we completed as young students. In 5th grade I created two books- one was composed of poetry and the other was a story I wrote. One whole day was given to make actual books. I remember my mom and other parents coming into the classroom to help us contruct them. How differently they may have looked if we had technology to type the text, clipart...
I usually take my books into my current 5th grade classroom and share them before beginning the same type of project. I tell my students that these types of projects are ones they can pass down to their children, future students(if they choose to become teachers)... This specific project must have made an impact on my life, because 29 years later I am sharing this with all of you.
It's amazing all the stories we have of "projects". Makes me wonder if we need to give more thought to doing more projects...not just filler projects, but projects with purpose. It sounds as if the projects we did, made huge impacts on us as students. Wouldn't it be nice to spend an entire day on one project and do it well, than 5 different items done half way and hurried? Something to consider!
ReplyDelete