Constructivism and Constructionism

Dr. Orey (2008) explains that even though in many circles constructivism and constructionism get thought of as one of the same, they are in fact two different concepts. Constructivism is the theory that individuals construct meaning based on their experiences. Constructionism is more of a learning theory, or process for which learning can happen effectively. Constructionism is the idea that an individual will learn from experience and it is the experience of creating an artifact that provides them with the opportunities to gain new knowledge. An individuals schema is challenged by new experiences. That schema may undergo changes in order to accommodate for new understandings that were previously unknown about a specific area of knowledge.

In reflecting on this week's resources I see a great need for instructionism in schools. I would even suggest that such learning would be beneficial to all ages and grades. All students have capabilities unique to their ages and a teacher can make the most of learning opportunities by providing their students with chances to engage in an actual project. The student can take the prior knowledge and apply it to such a project. Students can apply the understandings they have about what they already know and compare it to the new concepts they are self discovering (Pitler, 2007). Along the way, it is very likely that the child will develop new understandings as a result of situations they ran into during the project. They are essentially taking ownership of their own learning (Fiore, 2010).

My brother is also a teacher in a neighboring school district. He teaches eighth grade science. Recently, he has been sharing with me how two of his instructional hours will be devoted to classes that will be involved in project based learning. The project he selected for his students was CO2 car design and construction. His students will be involved in planning, designing, constructing, racing, and collecting data on the results. They are using the skills they have been equipped with to engage in a cumulative project. I know if I was in one of those classes I would be ecstatic about the entire project, so I can only imagine how is actual students are feeling about it. I am now trying to think ways that I can provide my second graders with project based learning opportunities. We do go through a pioneer unit in our first marking period. Though the pioneers did not have much technology, I feel this is a period in time that would be good for historical reports. I am hoping to give my students an opportunity to become experts on a specific area of pioneer life. The students could work in partnership on the project and produce a slide that promotes them as an expert on their pioneer topic. The slides could be put together and we would then have a unique slide show that covers many of the important concepts we had learned. In Dr. Orey's (2008) video it was stated that our students' future is technology and they have to know how to use it. Their success depends on an ability to use technology effectively. As teachers, we need to be sure that we are providing them opportunity to engage in the technology that is becoming an ever present part of their lives.

References:

Fiore, Corrine. (2009). What does Constructivism Mean? eHow. Retrieved September 29, 2010 from http://www.ehow.co.uk/facts_5498967_constructivism-mean.html

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

[DVD]Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.