EDTECH 504 ~ Module 6 Reflection

Module Readings

• Abdal-Haqq, I. (1998). Constructivism in teacher education: Considerations for those who would link practice to theory. ERIC Digest (ED426986). Retrieved from http://www.ericdigests.org/1999-3/theory.htm
• This article provides an introduction and explanation of constructivism regarding learning theory and educational practices. The increasing interest and awareness of constructivism comes with a need for awareness about the major elements of the theory that relate to teachers and students. 
• Boghossian, P. (2006). Behaviorism, constructivism, and Socratic pedagogy. Educational Philosophy and Theory, 38(6), 713.
• This reading discusses the possible connections between the Socratic methodology and the constructivist and behaviorist learning theories. The paper concludes that there are some minor connections between the theories and Socratic strategies; however, one is not directly linked with the other. 
• Woodard, B.S. (2003). Technology and the constructivist learning environment: Implications for teaching information literacy skills. Research Strategies, 19, 181-192. doi:10.1016/j.resstr.2005.01.001
• This article discusses the impact of educational technology and the issues and benefits that are the results of technology integration. Effective learning environments enhanced with technology become constructivist learning environments.
• Richardson, V. (2003). Constructivist pedagogy. Teachers College Record, 105(9), 1623-1640.
• This article discusses constructivism in detail regarding practical and authentic application to learning. Key elements of this reading focus on a student-centered learning environment, constructivist teaching strategies, expert content knowledge, and the future impact of the constructivist learning theory on education.

As a result of the readings and discussions, what have I learned and thought about?  

• The module discussion definitely addressed one of the hot-button issues in current classrooms.  We discussed and shared our opinions about grouping students by their cognitive abilities, which sparked a variety of responses and conversations.  Personally, I am not necessarily before or against ability-grouping of students.  Regarding my personal situation as a high school Spanish teacher, I can definitely see the positive benefits to grouping students according to their cognitive abilities.  However, I do not believe that ability-grouping is the overall best answer in every classroom or for every student.
• The readings truly helped me to see the relevance of constructivism regarding my current profession and work.  I enjoyed reading the sources that shared real-life examples of how constructivism shapes the present-day classroom.  Constructivist classrooms and educators are student-centered and place the teacher in the role of expert guide and facilitator.  The classroom teacher provides students with the materials and the tools necessary for learning and completing the given task.  Students collaborate and gain knowledge by constructing their own materials and applying their knowledge to authentic situations.  Educators must guide students in the right direction and promote positive learning environments.

How will my knowledge and experiences influence my actions and the actions of those around me?  

• My knowledge of constructivism and my experiences with using constructivist teaching methods in my classroom will influence my students and daily lesson plans.  Since learning more about constructivism and its application in the classroom, I have been able to better justify my ideas and student learning projects.  I am constantly thinking of ways to better engage my students and how to motivate them to learn actual content.  Some of the lessons and instructional methods that I have tried in my classroom can be related to the constructivist learning theory.  By learning more about the theory and how it specifically can enhance student learning and promote a more positive and effective learning environment, I can integrate more effective constructivist teaching strategies.  I hope that my actions, classroom environment, and student interactions will have an impact on other teachers as they see how constructivism can positively impact their classrooms as well.  

What interactions have been the most valuable?  

• The student-led module discussion and concept map activity was the most valuable because of the extensive interaction with my fellow classmates and the topics.  I have used Webspiration before to create a mindmap; however, I had never collaborated with classmates on a concept map before that assignment.  I liked how Webspiration allows for students to email the others who are editing and even publish the mindmap as a web page.  The activity worked well as my classmates and I each took turns editing and providing our personal input into the map.  Also, the interactions from the module discussion were valuable in how the conversation addressed an issue that is a bit controversial.  I enjoyed reading and commenting on the opinions of others, as well as providing my opinions about grouping students by cognitive ability.  Through casual dialog in an online format, it is interesting to see how participants are able to freely discuss the issues and prompt more discussion.  

The resource that I added to the wiki.

• I found the following website about enhancing learning with technology. It includes resources and links to information about learning theories, strategies, and tools. This website is a great place to find resources for this class and other classes in the educational technology program.  Besides just providing links and information about integrating technology in the classroom, the web site also discusses how we have reached the point where educators are embracing technology more in the classroom as a tool for learning and promoting an effective learning environment.  I like how the site has a whole section devoted to "changing attitudes" about technology in the classroom, which is beneficial for educators who are questioning technology integration.  Learning strategies are discussed regarding theory and specific factors that affect learning.  An abundance and variety of teacher resources, tutorials, articles, and explanations appeal to educators and those curious about the impact and integration of educational technology.  Resource Link: http://www.enhancelearning.ca/ or  http://members.shaw.ca/priscillatheroux/introduction.html