Constructionist Theory

Requiring students to construct an artifact keeps them engaged, motivated, and active in the learning process. Constructivism allows students to gain more knowledge while they build their artifact rather than being given direct knowledge by the the teacher. Project based learning is a very effective tool in facilitating students' learning. Incorporating technology into their projects enhances their learning while keeping them actively engaged.

My students love project based learning. They use technology throughout their research, and then they use technology frequently if their final production is a microsoft document, Power Point, or other software driven base project. Whether constructing a technology based project or a model replica, my students are incorporating new experiences that build on their learning and they put much more effort into their project because they know they will be sharing it with others. I have found that providing a rubric greatly improves their final production.

My school is currently changing over to standards based classrooms which require much more of a teacher facilitator mode. Incorporating constructivism based learning is the preferred way of meeting this requirement, but finding the time to implement project based learning has become a conflict. I believe a project based lesson would best be better managed as a culminating activity after completing a unit which incorporates several elements. I would still like to find more ways to incorporate shorter projects into my forty-five minute segments.

Instructional Strategies and Cognitive Learning Theories

Using virtual field trips incorporates all of the cognitive learning theories, promoting many different ways of 'connecting.' A virtual field trip provides for rich episodic experience, integrates multiple senses, combines images with text, elaborates for more connections, and can replicate the network model of memory.

Behaviorist Theories and Instructional Practices

As Pitler,H. Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., and Malenoski, K., (2007) state, "technology makes it easier for students and teachers to track the effects of effort and facilitates more immediate feedback." I believe this would be an excellent strategy to incorporate into my math classes.

I can definitely see that the bhaviorist theory is in practice with these students. They began the year with a defeatist attitude, and it has taken a lot of positive reinforcement and encouragement for them to become more responsible for their learning and to feel successful. I love the idea of using a spreadsheet for them to monitor their effort (with a rubric) and correlate it to their grade. I have come to realize that these students work much harder with positive feedback. They have come to be very proud of their effort and success.