Constructionist/Constructivism Theory

           The Constructionist/Constructivism Theory is a theory that is learner centered.  Students are able to construct their own meaning behind certain concepts by using more hands on activities.  (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).  This is very beneficial to students because these types of activities are more engaging due to the fact that students are completing them themselves.  The teacher is still involved but more to promote discussion and direction.  Technology has definitely assisted in this type of learning because it is more project based learning.  One type of instructional strategy that ties in with this theory is based on generating and testing hypothesis.  There are three types of strategies:  making spreadsheets, data collection tools, and web resources.  (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K., 2007) 

Making spreadsheets would be very beneficial in my math classroom.  I especially liked the activity described in Chapter 11 of Using Technology in the Classroom.  (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K., 2007)   The activity consisted of breaking the class into groups of students and each group had to determine how to finance a given amount of money.  So, the students made a hypothesis of what they thought would be the best scenario and then they used an excel spreadsheet that was premade by the teacher to see if there hypothesis was correct.  This is definitely more of a visual, hands on approach to this concept and I will use this same thing in my classroom this year, but just change a few things. 

            The other instructional strategy I see beneficial for my classroom in particular is web resources, especially the simulation type software and WebQuests.  The simulation software allows students to be placed in certain situations and have to make decisions along the way.  This would definitely keep the students attention and once again follows the idea of having the students make a hypothesis and then based on their actions and the game simulation, see if their decision was correct or not.  I did find one game online, The Lure of the Labyrinth, that I could use in either my Algebra or Pre-Algebra math classes but it costs the district money to play.  I will continue to research it and then decide how to approach the math head regarding this.  I also think that WebQuests are a great idea.  This allows students to learn the same information but in a different perspective.  I found quite a few of these that I see beneficial for my Algebra and Geometry classroom.  I especially like the Shopping for a New Car WebQuest.  It is an activity where students use real life applications and have to graph a system of equations which students always struggle with in class.  I believe by incorporating this WebQuest into my class, it will give the students a better perspective of this concept.  I also like the fact that it involves using the website Geogebra.  We currently have this on all of our computers at school and we have been trying to find different activities that use this and now I am so happy that I have found one and it is one that I believe the students will enjoy as well.  I really look forward to using this next year.  

            This Constructionist/Constructivism Theory is very important to incorporate into the classroom.  I believe it is extremely effective in the math classroom because it allows students to try and solve problems in different ways.  Anything that I can incorporate into the classroom that is hands on and visual is a huge plus.  I look forward to researching more web resources, simulations, and WebQuests and hope to find activities that I can bring into my classroom for the students.

Resources

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). Constructionist & Constructivism Theory [Video Webcast]. Retrieved from http://www.courseurl.com

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD