My Final Reflection

            When I first began this class, I stated that my personal learning theory was a mix between behaviorist and constructionist.  Now that we are finishing, I have some what changed what I believe my learning theory is.  However, I still believe that I do not just have one learning theory; it is definitely a combination of them all.  

            Starting with the behaviorist learning theory, classroom management techniques are still a majority of this learning theory.  I think there are always going to be rewards and punishments and students need to know what behavior is acceptable in the class and not.  Also, the drill and practice teaching strategy falls into this learning theory and with teaching math; I think that I still have to teach this way.  However, I am now aware of the technology options that will help elevate some of this way of teaching but a majority of math needs to be practiced in order for concepts to be understood.  With the cognitive learning theory, the strategy that I have already incorporated into my classroom deals with the virtual field trips and the summarizing of notes.  I have added a section to my teacher provided notes that allow the students to summarize what they have learned at the end of each lesson.  I am also looking into having them post to my classroom blog and summarize what they have learned after each chapter once I have it up and running.  The constructionist/constructivism learning theory is more learner centered and students are able to construct their own meaning behind certain concepts by using more hands on activities.  (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).  For this, Web quests are what I have fallen in love with this semester.  I just completed my first one on my own for Geometry and I know my students will enjoy it.  The reason I like this piece of technology so much is because students are exploring on their own, with little guidance from me.  It will be hard to just step away and watch them learn but I know they will benefit tremendously from it in the future.  The social learning theory is probably what I lean towards the most because it deals with cooperative learning. “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)  I do this every day in my classroom.  My classroom is set up in groups and during notes and practice time they are allowed to work with others.  Little pieces of each of these theories make up my own learning theory.  

One of my future goals for my classroom starts with the smart board technology.  I currently have lessons for each math section but none are interactive, meaning I want to incorporate more videos and more activities that allow the students to get out of their seats and actually become a part of the lesson.  I have already started looking into different videos and incorporating them into lessons.  This will help my students become more involved and interested.  My second long term goal is to incorporate more virtual field trips and web quests.  Now that I have already made my first web quest, I have experience which will make it easier the more lessons I come up with.  They are extremely interactive and allow the students the chance to learn something on their own.  I also like the fact that I can incorporate real life applications with web quests as well.  

  I have truly enjoyed this class and look forward to incorporating all the different types of technology options for my students.  I know it will not happen overnight, but anything that will allow my students to be successful pushes me to learn more about it.  I believe by using these new technology strategies, my students will be able to make connections be successful not only in their classes but out of school as well. 

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