The constructionism theory of learning states people learn best when they build an external artifact or something they can share with others (Laureate, 2009). In this weeks resources, the savings, investments, and interest rate spreadsheet assignment is an example of this theory. The teacher wanted students to understand that compounding interest and saving money can lead to strong earnings. This lesson is something that students can relate to and learn the value of saving and investing money for the future.
I feel kindergarten is a year where constructionism is used throughout the year.
In kindergarten, we have learning centers where children problem solve through age appropriate play and manipulatives. They are encouraged to use their own thoughts and be creative in the centers. Students are building using blocks and collaborating in groups. Last spring I had a few students show me a beehive they built with math pattern blocks. They remembered what it looked like in a book and wanted to create a bee colony. Other shapes were the members of the colony. It was so cute.
I enjoy watching the 5 year olds take part in learning by doing and discovering. At that age their minds are full of questions and what the world has to offer. I am excited to introduce more technology in the students' education. Technology will be with the students for the rest of their lives.
DVD: Laureate Education, Inc. (2009). “Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology”
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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With the kindergarten age, I'm wondering what kinds of technology for constructing things would be good. Could the students use a simple concept mapping tool where they drag objects onto a page that represent a letter of the alphabet? Since I teach older kids, I don't really know what software is available for children of this age but I'm sure that it must exist!
ReplyDeleteKindergarten is the perfect age for constructionist learning theories. I remember when I taught kindergarten that if I did not use hands on activities, I could not hold their attention. At that age they are very hands on and they learn by creating. In response to the previous comment, I am sure that there are many computer programs that are appropriate for the kindergarten level. Every time I picked my kindergarteners up from their computer time, I was always amazed when I saw what they were able to do on the computer.
ReplyDeleteI think you found a great way for your students to be able to create meaning and understanding on their own terms. Adding in technology seems like a good goal for you for next time. There are a lot of software programs and interactive activities available for them to manipulate themselves. You could step into the role of a facilitator by having them create something on their own and you monitor and guide.
ReplyDeleteI think using constructionism in a kindergarten classroom is to see this learning theory at its best. Watching your students’ growth over time must be so rewarding. Kindergarteners are not only being a foundation for learning but also learning how to build self confidence in the process. Providing these five year olds with the opportunity to learn by doing, really sets the stage in their academic journey. In my school it’s always neat at the beginning of the year to see the progress our kindergartners make in learning to log into the computers in the computer lab to exploring the web resources our district has provided.
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