This week's resources provided several strategies and suggestions that are complementary to the constructivist/constructionist theories of learning. In constructionism, students are focused on answering a question and producing an artifact to demonstrate their knowledge of the subject. This is supported by the instructional strategy of "Generating and Testing Hypothesis" as described by Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski. According to Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski, "When students generate and test hypotheses, they are engaging in complex mental processes, applying content knowledge like facts and vocabulary, and enhancing their overall understanding of the content" (2007, pg. 202). These ideas are ultimately what most teachers want for their students. By having students use technology such as spreadsheets, teachers can have students focus on evaluating their hypotheses rather than worry about making a mistake with tedious calculations.
Other resources that were mentioned this week also help teachers who wish to teach from the constructionist perspective. One handy tool is WebQuests. Through WebQuests students must explore a series of web sites to find information to answer a specific question. There is usually some type of finished product that must be produced to demonstrate knowledge of the information. The beauty of WebQuests is that there are so many out there a teacher only has to have time to search for an appropriate one on the topic of her choice. Another resource I am going to use soon is the Astroventure web site. We are getting ready to study space in science, and this web site poses some interesting questions for the students. I especially like the interactive part where students can design their own planet. I know my students will find this interesting and will continue trying until they can design a planet that will be viable.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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Jennifer:
ReplyDeleteI love to use webquests as well. Last year when I was teaching an Internet Skills class, we used many webquests to learn how to do research and then create digital products that illustrated what the students had learned. Webquests provide just enough structure and freedom for students to explore that I really believe they are a great format for learning. You just need to make sure the links to resources are still active, as many of the webquests you can find are old and stale.
Christopher:
ReplyDeleteRemembering to check links is important when having students use web-based resources. I know I have found many times when links are not good anymore. Thanks for the reminder.
Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI agree that WebQuests are a great resource that teachers can use when teaching certain topics in class. It gives students the freedom to explore information on their own. I also would like to expand on the idea Chris shared about having students create digital products to illustrate what they have learned. Have you used many WebQuests? This is something I am slowly incorporating in my classroom and would like to expand by having students create artifacts to display what they have learned in their own way.
Jennifer, I enjoyed the website that allows you to build your own planet myself. I am not a science teacher and I learned a few things from it myself. My seventh grade students would love using a tool like this and comparing their planets with each other. I could see the students becoming quite competitive with it as far as whose planet survives and such. Have fun using this tool!
ReplyDeleteAmy,
ReplyDeleteNo, I have not used many web quests. In fact, I usually just pick bits and pieces for my students to explore. I have never had them complete an actual web quest from beginning to end. This is something I hope to be able to do once we have another computer lab.
Webquests are an excellent resource within the classroom, that forces the students to learn how to search onto the internet property. It makes the student use various inquiry strategies to find what they are looking for.
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