Podcast

Podcast Interview

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Constructivism and Constructionism Learning Theories

When reviewing this week’s resources I thought it was interesting to hear about Michael Orey’s explanation on how people interpret the things they see. They just don’t hear the word and automatically understand what they are hearing but they picture an image of what the word is and store that mental image. Both of these different theories are student driven and involve them being active learners. In constructionism, students will complete an artifact to share with others (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010). This is from the word construction. Students are helping in creating and guiding their own learning.
A good example I believe for constructionist learning would be any type of problem solving activity. Whether it is a math equation or any type of experiment, during an experiment you are making a hypothesis to what will happen you are testing the experiment then concluding your question with your data. This is all constructed by the students and they are guiding all learning.
It is even better when you can include technology into these experiments. You can do this by making a PowerPoint presentation. A PowerPoint presentation that goes a long with a type of experiment you are doing is a great way to not only get yourself involved and more engaged in the activity but also peers if it is group work. With these two theories our students are allowing themselves to grow as students. They are in charge of the things they are doing for a long term outcome that will be beneficial for them to tackle each of these different learning theories so they have experience to each different type.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). Program seven. Constructionist and constructivist learning theories [Webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Cognitive Learning Theories

I believe instructional strategies today have enhanced our cognitive learning theory for students today of the 21st century. With the technology we have today students are not able to prepare themselves for assessments much easier that we were growing up. By teaching students how to effectively take notes, summarize, and use graphic organizers to the best of their ability, we are providing our students with a rich learning environment, which includes more than one means of transport supporting Paivios idea of duel coding (laureate 2010). With our students being able to use these key contributors to learning they are now able to get a better grasp of the lessons we are trying to teach them.
Students have a tough time with note taking. I know when I was a student I wondered what information I was supposed to write down and which would be the most meaningful to help me pass the test. When I was in school, I didn’t really think about actually learning the material especially if I was not interested in the specific topic. I was just concerned with pretty much memorizing what I had to in order to get a good grade on my test and pass the class. I think that is a problem with some of our students today. With understanding our cognitive learning theory with the help of technology, our students today can now get the most beneficial resources that will not only help them know the material for the tests but learn and understand the concepts being taught. The most important thing is our students take the best strategy and connect to their own individual learning and be able to comprehend the material so it makes them the most successful.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). Program five. Cognitive learning theory (Webcast). Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Behaviorist Learning Theory

After reviewing the instructional strategies it appears to me that these are two crucial parts that relate to behaviorist learning theory. Behavior learning theory is something that all teachers try to strive for. They want to establish rules, regulations and expectations so that it makes their classroom that much more smoothly and eliminates any possible distractions.
Reinforcing effort is a probably one of the most important factors when it comes to having a behaviorist learning theory. Effort is the most important factor in student achievement (Pilter, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). Constantly praising students for the effort they are giving and acknowledging it is no better feeling for a student whether they are grasping the concept of struggling with it. In my elementary physical education class reinforcing effort is one of the biggest thing that helps students want to get better and try there hardest at the skills we are trying to accomplish. I am very fortunate with the students I have that they love to come to physical education class and try their best. Many teachers have troubles with students at trying to do their best and getting students to put in the effort is one of the hardest things a teacher.
As for homework and practice in most classes these can correlate to behaviorist learning theories. In my content area practice is huge to keeping a behavior in tack. When I give students the skills and amount of time to practice it allows them to practice and develop those skills to a proficient levels. This also eliminates off task behaviors with students. Constantly keeping them engaged with a task with practice opportunities will make your class flow that much better. I also believe by practice students become motivated to succeed in the task at hand. They either see that they can succeed in the skills they are doing or they see that they need some work. That’s again where reinforcing effort becomes important. For the students that struggle praising their effort will keep the students going and keep your lessons strong.
References:
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.