Make Way For The Constructivisit/Constructionist Learning Theories

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Constructivism is a learning theory, which explains that students learn from constructing their own meanings of information (Workshop: Constructivism as a Paradigm for Teaching and Learning, 2004).
Constructionism is a learning theory, which explains that students' are active builders of knowledge (Han & Bhattacharya, 2012).  This theory stems from the constructivist model, and adds that the student learns best when they are able to "construct" a product and share the outcome with others (Laureate Education Inc., 2011).  This theory is beneficial because students create a final product and are engaged in their learning.  Teachers serve as "guides on the side" with this learning model.  Learning by design, project based learning, generating and testing hypotheses and webquests are just a few instructional strategies that can be implemented to promote the two theories listed above.

First, learning by design promotes the constructionist theory.  Learning by design values the final product.  As students create these products, they are actually part of the design process creating something meaningful to them.  Students design the final product, so students are considered "designers."  According to Orey (2001) during this process, collaboration is encouraged and educators should provide feedback to students individually so students can take the information and reflect.

    Picture retrieved from: http://modelschoolscnyric.pbworks.com/w/page/40580862/Project-Based%20Learning

 

 

Next, Project-based learning (PBL) is a long-term project where student's create a final product.  PBL is learner-centered and requires the students to choose, organize and research their project (Orey, 2001).  PBL should have projects that are meaningful to the students that pose a problem or a challenge.  According to Orey (2001) PBL has proven to increase motivation, problem-solving, collaboration and research skills.  Constructionist model is entirely student-centered and they are producing projects all of the time that is time consuming and unproductive.  As educators, it is our job not to lose focus and lead and direct students in meaningful ways, serving as a guide on the side.
 

According to Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn and Malenoski (2012) having students generate and test hypotheses correlate with the constructionism theory, which greatly enhances student learning.  Also, engaged students are involved in creating a final product. As a computer teacher, I could ask students to predict what would happen if something changed or they could build a project with limited resources.  Students using technology allows them to develop organizational skills, make predictions, receive feedback in a prompt manner and they can test their hypothesis. This strategy allows students to generates questions and hypotheses about what is or is not. Students should explain their thoughts and systems (Pitler et al, 2012).  When someone generates a hypothesis, they are critically thinking, and making predictions.  In order for students to reach a conclusion to their generated hypotheses, the students need to participate in a project to test.  By doing this, they can take pride in their project and share with other people their findings.  Students get the opportunity to interact and enhance their learning.

 

Picture retrieved from: http://blogs.educared.org/red-pronino/blog/2011/11/24/cuestionarios-interactivos-en-webquest/

 

Webquests are inquiry activities for students to interact and find information that are web-based (Dodge, 1997).  Students usually get an introduction to the webquest and are informed of the question.  Then they research information, explore and come to a conclusion.  I implement a few webquests with my students.  It is a great was to utilize different websites to find information.

Overall, the models above allow students to "construct" a final project that is learner-centered and it relates to their lives, which correlate with the principles of constructionism.  Students research to solve problems, and reflect.  There are helpful tools like technology too.  Students are now learning in a meaningful manner that can last a life time.  Whether you choose student-centered, teacher-centered or a mixture of both, the constructivist theory is about students making sense of the world around them (Orey, 2001).

References

 

Dodge, B. (1997).  Some thoughts about webquests. Definition. Retrieved from

       http://webquest.sdsu.edu/about_webquests.html 

Han, S,. & Bhattacharya, K. "Constructionism, Learning by Design, and Project Based Learning." 
      Department of Educational Psychology and Instructional Technology (2012).  Retrieved on
      November 19, 2013 from http://epltt.coe.uga.edu/index.php?title=Constructionism%
      2C_Learning_by_Design%2C_and_Project_Based_Learning

Laureate Education, Inc. (Production). (2008).  Constructivist and Constructionist Theories. 
     [Video webcast]. Retrieved from http://www.courseurl.com

"Learning By Design." (2004-2013).  Photo retrieved from http://en.fotolia.com/id/12095082

Leo, Robert. "Project-Based Learning." (2011).  Photo retrieved from
       http://modelschoolscnyric.pbworks.com/w/page/40580862/Project-Based%20Learning

Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001).  Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology.  
       Constructionism, Learning by Design, and Project-Based Learning.  Retrieved from
        http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page

Peru, Karla. "Webquest." (2009).  Cuestionarios interactivos en Webquest.  Photo retrieved from
       http://blogs.educared.org/red-pronino/blog/2011/11/24/cuestionarios-interactivos-en-webquest/

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using technology with classroom instruction that
      works (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

"Workshop: Constructivism as a Paradigm for Teaching and Learning." Thirteen Ed Online. 
       Educational Broadcasting Corporation (2004).  Retrieved on November 20, 2013 from  
       http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/constructivism/