The Social Learning Theory is a theory
that is student-centered. Students are
able to be engaged in constructing their own meaning through cooperative
learning with others and their environment around them. (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010). This is very beneficial to students because it
seems that a majority of the goals at schools deals with students being
academically and socially proficient and this ties right in with this type of
learning theory. One type of instructional
strategy that relates with this theory is based on cooperative learning. (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K., 2007)
“Cooperative learning focuses on having
students interact with each other in groups in ways that enhance their
learning.” (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M.,
& Malenoski, K., 2007)
With this process, students can be separated by their ability but a
majority of the time, I prefer to choose groups either at random or place low
achieving students with high achieving students. It seems that when I break up the groups this
way, the lower achieving students try harder and seem to want to better
themselves like the higher achieving students do. In the past, I have not been the best at
incorporating projects into my classroom.
I always had a hard time seeing the benefits in completing a project
rather than the drill and kill practice for my math classes. I now see the importance of this and will try
to incorporate more in years to come.
However, I do allow my students to work with other students on a daily
basis when it comes to homework practice.
A lot of times, students do better with the help of another student
rather than just sitting by themselves.
Having another student explain a certain concept to them can make all
the difference in the world, so once again it goes back to peer interaction and
collaboration.
“Technology can play a unique and vital
role in cooperative learning by facilitating group collaboration, providing
structure for group tasks, and allowing members of the groups to communicate
even if they are not working face to face.”
(Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M.,
& Malenoski, K., 2007)
There are quite a few pieces of technology that can greatly help with
allowing students the opportunity to collaborate with others, such as using
multimedia, web resource’s, creating a website, and much more. Giving the students a rubric to follow for whichever
type of resources is ideal. This allows
them to know what is expected of them and how they will be graded. I still really like the idea of using web
simulations or Web Quests. I think both
of these allow students to see the math content in more of a realistic setting
and also allows for them to work with others as well.
This social learning theory is a great
way for students to be able to comprehend material. It lets students work together and be engaged
in the process. Learning from peers can
be so beneficial and from personal experience, I agree that a lot of students
prefer and learn more from this type of engagement.
Voice
Thread Assignment
http://voicethread.com/share/3259980/
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
Nichole,
ReplyDeleteI have also found it quite difficult to not ability group my students. I have realized recently when I pair a brighter student up with a lower learning student I have great results or even when I place people together who are not necessarily friends. I love to see what my students will produce on class projects after grouping them with others they would not choose to be with. You also made a great point when you said that the social learning theory and technology that you can use with this theory engages the students;therefore, they are more apt to show you the results that you want students to be able to produce in the classroom. Technology is so widespread and the students of today understand technology more than the average adult. We need to group and engage our students to become fully functioning in life and at school The social learning theory and connectivism allow this type of growth especially with the use of technology.
I agree with you that there are quite a few technology options that can allow students to collaborate with each other. I have had a lot of success with using blogs in my classroom. I agree with you that using rubrics is important. Rubrics are something that I have started using a lot of because I have seen the results. The students have a better understanding of my expectations and create a better final product. Great ideas!
ReplyDeleteStudents definetly know their technology and would prefer to use it over the old traditional way for pencil and paper. I understand it takes more time for teachers to come up with ways to bring it into the classroom but once we start doing this, our students will grow in success and love the "new" classroom ways. I look forward to changing my classroom to this new technology era and am excited to see my students excel.
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