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.