Constructivism in Practice

Dr. Orey discusses what the constructivist learning theory and how people learn best they build an external artifact and then share it with others (Laureate, 2008). There are many things that can help students to have a better understanding of what is being taught. One that is a great resource is PowerPoint presentations. I think that PowerPoint presentations can be effective in enhancing constructivist/constructionist learning theories. PowerPoint presentations allow for students to convey their thoughts while using technology and can be used as an assessment to see if the student is grasping the concept that is being taught. It allows the students to use an artifact like discussed by Dr. Orey and then they are able to share what they have learned with others. Project based learning is a common practice in constructionist learning.

The other resource from these past weeks that I think is very useful is the virtual field trips. I think that the students will be able to experience a lot from just the virtual field trip. I am looking forward into incorporating these into my classroom next year. I had never thought about using a virtual field trip in my classroom until this class


Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program seven. Constructionist and Constructivist Learning Theories [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore: Author.

Congnitive Learning Theory

Dr. Orey talks about cognitive theories and the “integrating multiple senses in presentation improves learning” (Laureate Education, 2008). I think that is so true in education that children need to be exposed to information in multiple ways. Not all the students obtain the information from lecture and the more senses that are hit the more likely that the students are about to retain the information that is being taught. The thing that was shocking to me was when Orey said that “short term memory can process 7 +/- 2 pieces of information at one time” (Laureate Education, 2008). Sometimes I wonder when there is a whole bunch of things going on why I cannot remember what was said. I can now chalk it up to the fact that I cannot process the information in my short term memory. The thing that I use in my math class is songs. I know that all the kids know all the words to a lot of the rap and Hannah Montana songs and who knows what else. So, I incorporate songs into my class. The songs that I use are ones that have familiar music that the students know, but the lyrics are math lyrics. At first the students laugh and think that the songs are funny and ridiculous, but by this time of year they are asking to hear the music. I think that this is a “episodic experience” (Laureate Education, 2008)that the students can relate to for the most part and that will help them to remember.

When it comes to concept mapping I never really knew what it was until this week when it was part of this week’s assignment. With how much the students want to text and get on myspace I know that the use of technology is very important to the kids learning in schools today. Something that Orey said in the video that I think plays a key role in concept mapping is allowing the learners to see what they are creating visually. With the concept map the students are able to organize the information that is being presented and map out what they are going to be doing. The primary method of storing information in long term memory is through elaboration. Through elaboration students can build on prior knowledge and use informational images to help them to recall a fact. There are many students in my classes that will be mouthing the words to some of the math songs when they are taking a test or a quiz. That is the way that they have stored their information and that is the way that they are going to recall it from memory. Through the concept map the students will be able to draw pictures that will allow them to connect and then retrieve the information later.


Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.

Instructional Strategies

Throughout the reading this week I noticed that technology can be used in several ways. I think that the most effective way that it can be used is through reinforcement. I think that through reinforcement students grasps the concepts that are being taught and realize that with a little extra effort on homework and through practice that they are better able to understand a concept that is being taught in my class. I was just at a workshop today and looking back at the readings for this week I think that what was discussed today would be a great tool. The workshop was on using different types of assessments in the classroom so that as a teacher I could get immediate feedback without the kids even knowing. I could do the assessments before, during, or after a standard is taught. The one assessment that I was really drawn into was the clicker that goes along with a SMART board. It gives feedback right away. There were so many things that I was thinking about while I was going through the training and how I could use this technology in my class. Through the clickers students will be able to monitor their progress along with I will be able to monitor where they are weak. This will be an instant “are they getting it or not” checker.

Homework and practice I believe should be for reinforcement not busy work. Students know when a teacher is just giving them something to keep them occupied and that is meaningless. At times I know that I fall into the phase of giving homework as busy work so that I can get some things done. The positive reinforcement that I started though and that had the students really excited was a ten day homework challenge. The students loved it and it was a great way to have positive reinforcement from each of the students and having all the students work towards a goal. The thing is though I have those one or two students that just refuse to do the work no matter how simple the assignment. I am at a loss for what to do for those kids. I have tried all types of things to no avail. The worst one of the bunch is the one that has been held back. You would of thought that not advancing to the next grade would be some sort of motivation. That is not the case he is as lazy as ever. I hope to find something that motivates this child.