Constructivism in Practice
Application #4
For constructivists, knowledge is a constructed element resulting from the learning process (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2008). One constructivist learning theory strategy is generating and testing hypothesis, which allows for students to generate and test hypotheses, engage in complete mental processes...enhancing their overall understanding of the content (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007). Using spreadsheet software and data collection tools can generate and test hypotheses.
Spreadsheet software is a technology strategy that is used to help students learn content. With this program, students can make informed predictions, collecting data, analyzing the data in patterns, and revising their original hypothesis (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007). This technique allows the student to construct meaning through the scientific process and document it with the use of a spreadsheet.
Data collection tools enables students to see the bigger picture and recognize patterns (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007). With this process, students follow a similar path as with the spreadsheet software, but with this particular technique, the student must first research a problem, and then after conducting through discovery and collecting data, the student uses that data to confirm, deny or revise their last hypothesis (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007).
References:
Lever-Duffy, J., & McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical foundations (Laureate Education,
Inc., custom ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K.
(2007). Using technology with
classroom
instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Erika,
ReplyDeleteI think that the spreadsheet holds a lot of power for students to be able to see their results. I like how Pitler presented a group of students learning about the various investment options. Having a preprogrammed spreadsheet allowed the students to plug in numbers and not have to worry about the mathematics that went behind the target of the lesson. I think that with time, we will see more teachers becoming savvy users of these types of resources in the classroom. Nice thoughts!
Kendra
Erika (and Kendra),
ReplyDeleteI also agree that spreadsheets are a great tool. I use them to track all of my assessment data. However, using Excel is probably the most difficult technology for me. I will master it eventually! I'm curious, what grade do you teach and how do you see a speadsheet being used by elementary students? I teach third grade.
Amy
I feel I have a personal vendetta against spreadsheets. Maybe it’s because I also found Excel a difficult tool to use, despite that I consider myself a technology native. Or perhaps it’s partially because I teach high school Language Arts and could never quite find a reason to incorporate spreadsheets into my curriculum. Despite my grudge, I can see the value of spreadsheets in some technical, math, business, or science studies. I also agree, however, that they could present difficulties with younger students. It seems that there is a small window of opportunity, between the limits of age and content areas, for exposing students to this tool.
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