Students creating something new from knowledge gained in the classroom can be an adventure. Even though I teach high school, something as simple as putting markers and construction paper in the hand of my students usually gets them actively involved. The ideas they come up with are often better than the ones I give them. With the advances in technology, the possibilities are endless (although I will still probably let my students still break out the markers and construction paper).
Orey (2009) states that students get 1st hand experience when building stuff. When students are actively involving learning, they will usually experience success. Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski (2007) address the ideas of spreadsheet software, data collection tools and Web resources as ways to further incorporate technology into the classroom. Using the suggested tools will “allow students to spend more time interpreting the data rather than gathering the data (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski, p. 203, 2007). I love the interactive spreadsheet example in our text. Students can actually ‘see’ different scenarios by changing amounts and rates. My students get really involved when we talk about interest rates involving buying cars and houses and saving money, the interactive spreadsheet can show the effects of rates without the students getting caught up in the math.
I believe constructionism is a good theory to practice in the classroom. Learning by creating gives students ownership in the finish product. Students can only benefit in the long run when we encourage them to be creative and use technology. A world of information and discovery is just a click away for our students.
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Leilani,
ReplyDeleteGreat posting. Your mention of markers and construction paper intrigues me becasue of a comment one of my colleagues made this year. When commenting on how another teachers has the students make a unit circle with yarn and glitter, this teacher said, "When I teach that class next year, arts and crafts time is over." The class is an honors Alg III class so I understand that the students need to cover a lot of material and these students are supposed to be the best of the best, but I still thought that the students can use a contructive project.
I am with you that every once in a while we need to let the students be creative. Even with technology, something that you can hold in your hand can sometimes be more valuable than something on a computer monitor!
Tyler
When students acquire secondary knowledge like math to figure out interest rates in your class it makes learning seem more practical and intuitive. Imagine the shift in motivation when students become invested in real world learning where they are active participants! Creativity and technology is a heady mix for this generation so it really is one of the most powerful tools in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteNanci
Tyler,
ReplyDeleteAllowing students to pull out markers, construction paper, glue, etc. can often be a stress reliever for students too. I thought for a long time, I am not going to do that with my honors students (just my lower lever and cp), but when I did they had such a good time with it. They talked ‘casually’ about the math that was involved, not taking things so seriously is often a good thing. Serious and staunch is not my personality … although I want my students to learn and apply the material, I still want them to find the fun in learning too. Of course using markers is not a daily event, if it were it would become boring like anything else. I believe in mixing things up….. with technology, paper/pencil assignments, and creative projects, after all we still are expected to cover the curriculum!
~Leilani
Nanci,
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of coming up with ‘real-life’ scenarios for students. My daughter and I love to ‘build’ cars online. While doing this I thought….. why not have my students build a car and choose different financing scenarios. They could look at car payments, interest, and then see whether they could afford it with a job they have chosen! With real estate sites, they could even chose houses! My mind is swimming with ideas…. :)
~Leilani
There is nothing wrong with creating objects as long as the students are learning something. I have seen classes where they create stuff but it has nothing to do with anything. If the students can relate what they are creating with the lesson, then the project is worth it. It doesn't matter if the students are using the computer or paper and scissors, "Are they learning" is the real question.
ReplyDeleteMike
Mike,
ReplyDeleteGood point! When doing projects and/or creating artifacts, it is important that the students are learning and making connnections to concepts learned in class. Without learning, projects can turn into coloring/computer time. The objectives of learning should be addressed and considered when creating the assignments such as these. The best types of these assignments are those that can be connected to real-world applications.
Leilani