Week 4 - Constructivism in Practice

In chapter 11 of the course text, generating and testing hypotheses were discussed. When students engage in these strategies “they are engaging in complex mental processes, applying content knowledge like facts and vocabulary, and enhancing their overall understanding of the content” (Pitler et al., 2007, p. 202).

Project-based learning tools correlate to the instructional strategy and constructivist/constructionist learning theories. In a constructivistic/constructionistic learning environment, “the instructor acts as a facilitator and guides the learners along their paths of learning (Orey, 2001). It is more learner-oriented. "The important part of constructivism is making some sort of artifact" (Laureate, 2009). The tasks discussed in chapter 11 have students creating some sort of artifact using educational technology. "Spreadsheet sofware, data collection tools and Web resources" are available to students to help them create their artifacts (Pitler et al., 2007, p. 203).


Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). Brain Research and Learning [Motion Picture]. CognitiveLearning Theories. Baltimore: Author.

Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology.
Retrieved July 19, 2010 from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/.

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