Constructionist Learning Theories

For this week’s application, we were asked to correlate the instructional strategies learned through our textbook, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, and the constructivist/constructionist learning theories.

Constructionist learning theories are based upon students actively engaging in learning through building or “constructing” artifacts, resulting in their in-depth understanding of the material. Dr. Michael Orey (2009) discusses the term equilibration, “the process of achieving a balance between differences in external reality and one’s current beliefs and understandings.” He explains that our brains want to be in a state of equilibration, but learning takes place through disequilibration, allowing the brain to form assimilations and/or accommodations. In order to help students form assimilations and accommodations for new subject matter in our classrooms, it is important to allow them to develop higher level thinking skills through “generating and testing hypotheses” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, pp. 202-216).

The use of Microsoft Excel to investigate and explore information in spreadsheets, graphs, and charts, allows students to actively construct artifacts which they can share with others. It also allows students to develop critical thinking skills, like trial and error, to actively engage themselves in finding solutions to problems. Many of the examples shown in the textbook, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, use real-life situations for the students to practice budgeting, saving, and spending their money effectively. The ability to appropriately budget money is a life-long skill that many individuals struggle with throughout their lives. Using a program like Excel to interactively adjust saving and spending costs creates various avenues of self-discovery for students. The students are not only engaged in the material, they are also experiencing an understanding of real life situations. This will lead the students to further develop their understanding through assimilation and possibly accommodation.

One aspect of the constructionist learning theory I find interesting is that “knowledge is unique to the individual who constructs it” (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2008, p.16). This is ever so true in our classrooms today, as each student interprets information in a way that suits them. For our students to individualize their learning, it is important to incorporate technology into the classroom. Through the use of data collection tools, we can individualize instruction for each student, allowing them to solve and generate various problems. Data collection tools allow the class to identify specific questions, make educated predictions or hypotheses, research their answers, and identify if their predictions were accurate or not. Throughout the process the students are constructing graphs, collaborating with their classmates to identify accurate solutions, and actively engaging themselves in the subject matter.

With the use of web resources, such as interactive games, students are continuously solving problems and developing their critical thinking skills. Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski (2007) state that “simulation software also can provide incredibly engaging learning environments, resulting in increased motivation and retention in learning” (p.213). The constructionist learning theorists are consistent with identifying that students learn best when they are actively engaged in building something. In the interactive gaming world, students have the ability to construct or design almost anything that comes to mind with the technology we have today.

Lever-Duffy, J. & McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical Foundations (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.Orey, M. (2009, March). Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. “Constructionist and Constructivist Learning Theories”. (Laureate, CD-ROM, 2009 release).

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