After reviewing the theorists' philosophies on education, each theorist has proclaimed to have the answers on how learning takes place and how to create a meaningful learning environment. Although I am not an expert in this particular area, I agree with the constructivist theorist on collaboration. Constructivist theory rests on the assumption that knowledge is constructed by learners as they attempt to make sense of their experiences (Driscoll, 2005). I feel that collaborating with your environment (peers, teachers, etc.) and the world can have a lasting impact within an individual's educational experience. According to Rheingold, human communication media and the ways in which we organize socially have been co-evolving for quite a long time (Rheingold, 2008). The many examples that Rheingold gives concludes the point that if we work together, we can achieve/solve more. The wikipedia example serves this point.
The constructivist theory of collaborative learning has flourished since the invention of the internet. The internet many features allow the students to create an authentic learning environment. The internet enhances student's knowledge acquisition by facilitating student's accessto resources from the outside wrld including experts in the field, as well as interacting directly with them (Kumar, 2004). The next advantage of technology/internet, is the ability to communicate instantly. Students have the options of emailing, chatting, joining social networks,etc. to discover information or disperse information. Lastly, technology/internet promotes higher order thinking skills through multiple activities. Learners can access a wealth of resources a their own paces and have meaningful interactions with the content information (Kumar, 2004).
The question still remains by current educators on which educational theorists' philosophy is beneficial to the learner in this data driven society? Focusing on the constructivist theorist, since it was this week's topic, teachers face much pressure on including collaboation due to the little knowledge on new teaching strategies and less freedom in lesson planning. Who has the answer to creating an exemplary education system? The world may never know.
Sources:
Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.
Kumar, M. (2004). Learning with the internet. Retrieve on April 12, 2010 from http://www.newhorizons.org/strategies/technology/muthukumar.htm
Rheingold, H. (2008, February). Howard Rehingold on collaboration. Vodcast posted to http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html
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As I read your post and thought about the readings, videos and discussions this week, I think my understanding of all these theories has increased, but my opinion of their usage in classrooms is that we are not giving our students the benefit of twenty-first century tools, knowledge and experiences. Social interaction independent of teacher guidance is not the norm. Grouping our students for collaboration must become part of regular lesson planning not something for special projects.
ReplyDeleteHow true your summary of the use of collaboration in today's classrooms! Which is more important the test or the knowledge? The benefits of collaboration and interaction or making AYP? I
don't know if my generation of instructors will see a system that allows for the freedom needed for learning to take place the way we know it could should constructivists theories become true practice.
I agree with LaVerne in that collaboration should be included in every day routine and not just for special projects every now and then. The issue is finding the time to allow for proficient collaboration as the constructivist theory explains. I see that it works very well with adults, but I am not convinced that all learning should be constructed by the learner in early grades, especially if they are given the freedom to choose what they learn. I am very much in love with the idea of guiding students with good questioning, but I am going to have to research more on this type of intervention. We have to get out of asking simple recall and find the application questions.
ReplyDeleteYou mention the significance of data and this is certainly hurting the constructivist movement within education, but I see it really taking off in the technology field just because we can easily communicate with tools provided through the internet and other media. I guess we have to find a balance between AYP and what the kids really need, and that is an intrinsic motivation to learn which I don't think they get when all we are allowed to do is teach the standards that seem irrelevant to them (and to me, who needs to know exact dates and timelines, we have Google!!)
Great post!
Nikisha, I am impressed with your comments. You continue to internalize the essence of the content and support your ideas through contextual reflections. Your final paragraph gives me pause, however. You asked which educational theory is the most beneficial given our data-driven society? I believe that teachers should employ any strategy, regardless of the learning theory, that engages the learner and substantively promotes knowledge and understanding. Strategies that I find to be effective, may or may not work for you and your students. Where the problems lie is when teachers settle on a single format. This will surely produce the lowest common denominator in teaching and in learning and yes, also in the resultant data.
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