Constructivism Theory

I really enjoyed this week's resources and what they had to share about how students learn. I especially like the constructivist theory. This theory states that people learn best when doing things, like building an artifact and then they share it with others. In my classroom, I ask my students to complete projects, and then sometimes they share their final results with the class. The students enjoy doing the projects, because it is like they are taking control over their own learning. They create things and construct their own meanings. I believe that when students build and create they will remember things longer, or have something to connect a piece of information with.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Cognitive Learning Theory

Dr Orey in "Cognitive Learning Theories" explains how important it is to use multiple sensory components when teaching. It is important because like all people, students learn better when they are able to use a variety of their five senses. He also explained how the brain connects with previous information, and that we never really forget information, we just have to have a method or process to get to it. That is why we need to let our kids experience things, and have many connections to a piece of information. I also like what Dr. Orey said about using word processing information programs as table making charts. Students have the opportunity to fill in the table with pictures, key words, and web resources to help them remember information. I can really see how that would be beneficial to a visual child, in which most students are. I think this strategy with get students very involved since they would be the creators.

I think that drill and practice, remediation, and traditional tutorial programs have a relevance in classroom of today. They should not be the main source of teaching, but used as tools when needed. I think drill and practice is the best way to learn basic addition and subtracting facts 0-9, as well as multiplication facts. Remediation is also great for students who function at a lower than average level because of certain behavioral problems/disorders. Most of my students fall in this category. Online tutorials are greatly appreciated in my classroom. Having the same information presented in a way different from the way that I teach it, works well with a lot of my students. We use a program called Compass Odyssey in my district and it has been very successful.
Behaviorist learning theory and instructional technology are ways of giving immediate feedback to students . This is great for students, especially when they have set academic and behavioral goals for themselves.