Constructionism and Constructivism
Constructivism
can be defined as “the theory of knowledge stating that each individual
actively constructs his/her own meaning” (Laureate 2015). This learning philosophy
or theory was explained in a fashion that it does not truly have a place in the
classroom. Constructivism has “no absolute and is uniquely constructed within
the minds and experiences” (Laureate 2015).
Constructionism is the learning theory in which teachers should utilize
and implement within their teaching practices. Constructionism is “a theory of
learning that states people learn best when they build an external artifact or
something they can share with others” (Laureate 2015). Within this theory, students build and share
what they learn with others. The concept revolves around the idea of building
meaning. The relationship between the two are formed around the central theme
of constructing within the mind and experiences.
Utilizing
technology to support constructivism and constructionism is one approach Mr.
Orey discussed in his media clip. Within the learning experience, Dr. Orey used
PowerPoint as the example tool that supports students constructing meaning.
PowePoint allows students to construct information into a presentation or means
of expression. Essentially, students are “creating” and are “engaged deeply”
within their learning process. With this creation process and tools, students
are almost forced to create an experience that will essentially create networks
of memory.
The
peer-reviewed article that I researched was in relation to physical activity
and physical education. The concept of
the constructivist approach “examined the impact of a constructivist curriculum
on in-class physical activity” (Chen 2007).
The student concluded with results that suggested that the constructivist
approach did in fact facilitate content knowledge learning with little risk of
reducing in class physical activity. “It is believed that motor skills and
physically active behavior are acquired through the same construction process”
(Chen 2007).
Using the constructivist
approach in physical education or health education can be made simple. I
utilize it almost on a daily basis because students are encouraged to create
and construct their own meaning of physical activity through the choices of
activities they get to participate in during classes. However, in terms of
health education, I could incorporate constructionist-learning style while in
the classroom. Students can create their own technology presentation on topics,
such as the juniors diet and supplement project. The ISTE standard that
students meet during this type of activity would be Standard 4: Innovative
Designer. Since students are taking an active role in constructing through
technology. Teachers implementing such assignment would be ISTE 1:Faciliate and
inspire student learning and creativity. Through the students construction,
students are utilizing their creative juices and forming. Encouraging students
to remain engaged and creative allows for networks of memories and content to
be learned.
The sources
that I researched were all geared towards physical education. It was imperative
that I find ways to incorporate this learning theory into my own content area.
I realized that there are ways of encouraging students to create their own
learning process and experience to achieve learning goals. For example, in
physical education, students who participate in small-sided team games are
forced to create their own success through cooperation and team strategy. I can
incorporate these strategies into my GH lesson simply. Since students are creating their own
research project and presentation based on their diet and supplement choice, it
will be the students construction of content and meaning that be related to GH.
Chen, A., Martin, R., Sun, H., & Ennis, C. D. (2007, December). Is In-Class Physical Activity at Risk in Constructivist Physical Education? Retrieved February 08, 2017, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4477689/
Laureate Education (Producer). (2015e). Constructionist and constructivist learning theories [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
YouTube. PE Video Social Constructivism - YouTube. Retrieved February 7, 2017, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogT90PFYTeI
Hi Kate,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Dr. Orey mentions “constructionism suggests that new ideas are most likely to be created when learners are actively engaged in building some type of external artifact that they can reflect upon and share with others” (Orey, 2001). By having your students create their own technology presentations, they will be more inclined to become more creative with their work. Using the constructionist theory in class is a great way to get the students to collaborate with other classmates as well as work on and problem solving skills.
-Samantha
Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://epltt.coe.uga.edu/index.php?title=Main_Page
Hello Kate,
ReplyDeleteI really liked reading what you posted this week. I also agree with what you posted about Dr. Orey’s video clip. Microsoft Powerpoint is a great was to help students build or create a presentation using the information they have found. It is also very convenient because it comes standard on most computers in school and they don’t need Internet access to use it. Additionally, the presentations they produce are great representation of the schema they created to show what they didn’t previously understand (Laureate Education, 2015e). I really like how you implement constructivist theory in physical education. I would never think of students selecting their own activities during class to be constructivism, but they are building their own definition of what physical fitness is to them.
Amanda
Reference
Laureate Education (Producer). (2015e). Constructionist and constructivist learning theories [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Hi Amanda,
ReplyDeletePhysical Education is a different type of content area that challenges me to implement these types of learning theories since all people think we do is "play." However, when looking at it on a deeper level, our job is to educate these students by guiding them towards a love for a variety of health and fitness activities. Dr. Orey describes this constructionist approach as one that is creative, experiential and individualized within the student. If the student can create some type of meaning and love for fitness out of any activity provided, they will more likely remain physically active throughout their lifetime.
Laureate Education (Producer). (2015e). Constructionist and constructivist learning theories [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.