Thursday, January 28, 2010
Constructioism Learning Theory and pre-algbra
There is no doubt in my mind that there are strong advantages to applying Constructioism Learning Theory. I am stuck on the value of that theory in the math classroom, I am referring to the development or the discovery of time honored concepts. I feel I need more solid proof that students can construct and understand math concepts. An example would be developing an understanding of polynomials, and quadratic equations. Although they would be able to take those concepts and identify practical applications, they still need instruction in the development of the concept. Is it possible to integrate technology sufficiently enough through constructionist so the students acquire the necessary understanding?
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Michael,
ReplyDeleteI am also a math teacher and I have found that technology has worked well after I have taught the lesson. This gives the students the basics and then lets them explore in more detail. The only problem that I have is that in a perfect world the students would get into it and try their very best to learn. I am finding that my students are completing only the necessary steps to do the minimum possible required. This does not allow the students to use the projects to help them learn at a higher level.
Michael,
ReplyDeleteI can’t speak for math, but I do know that my students tend to be more engaged and on-task when technology is incorporated with a meaningful project or assignment. It is real easy for us to get into a routine of similar assignments or progressive assignments. This tends to lose student interest real fast. I like to use interactive websites at least once a week if even for 15 minutes to switch it up for my students. Especially this time of year it seems to renew their interest in learning.
Matt
There are tons of great things to do with technology which incorporates mathematics. This is a great way to see if your students have truly grasped the concrete topic. The best thing about math is that there are so many real life topics that you can use math in. Also with the use of SmartBoard technology and other new and improving technologies, math can be more interactive. Hands on approach to math gets the students ready for real life applications outside of the classroom.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of math, I enjoyed reading the lesson in our text on money. Although the lesson was much more advanced than I would teach in my first grade class, I found a lot of similar ideas. Many 3rd through 5th grade teachers come back and tell us that kids do not understand money concepts. I have been really focusing on making my money lessons as hand on and as student-centered as possible. We have see some great results!
ReplyDeleteI was not able to get back into my blog so I am postin he URL to my voice thread yhis way.
ReplyDeletehttp://voicethread.com/#e896538
I hope it works. bye.
Micheal,
ReplyDeleteI believe you'd have to send students to a site to explain how to do a math problem. For example students could work together on a voice thread to explain how to solve several or one math problem.
Charis Jones