Constructionism and Learning

Constructionism in learning is the idea that students will better retain information if they are required not only to learn the information, but DO something with is as well (Laureate Education, Inc. 2, 2009. Make something, build something, teach something, produce something. I believe this idea correlates well with the other research we have studied thus far because the creation appeals to many senses. Depending on the project, students could be filming, sculpting, writing, etc. This can not only appeal to several senses, it can also create memories of an experience, which would be yet another avenue of information retrieval. In previous weeks, Dr. Orey stated that students don't forget information, they forget how to retrieve it. The more avenues you use to store the information, the more ways you have to get back to it (Laureate Education, Inc. 1, 2009). Not only will constructionism aid in information retention, it will help the teacher with student engagement as well. I personally remember fighting to stay awake in lectures in (undergraduate) college and I was paying to be there because I WANTED to be there! How can we, as teachers, expect students to pay attention and retain information in the form of a lecture when, many times, they are FORCED to be there. If we liven up the information with projects and active learning, the students' attitude, as well was information retention, will improve. I am particularly excited to further explore a resource mentioned by Pitler and others in chapter 11. I feel that the By Kids For Kids: How to Invent website will effectively enhance my curriculum (Pitler, et al, 2007). Inventing lends itself to a unit on Leonardo DaVinci, an avid inventor. In addition, as I was exploring, I found ideas about creating ad campaigns (we explore graphic design as an art job option), fashion design, and many other ideas that can help me teach my students about art by using real world connections.

Resources:

Laureate Education, Inc. 1 (Producer). (2009). Cognitive Learning Theories. [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore, MD: Orey.

Laureate Education, Inc. 2 (Producer). (2009). Constructionist and Constructivist Learning Theories. [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore, MD: Orey.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.