What are your beliefs about how people learn best? What is the purpose of learning theory in educational technology?
As an educator, I have learned that students learn in various ways. I teach 7th grade math and our main focus for the year is positive and negative numbers, also called integers. Students learn to add, subtract, multiply, and divide integers. When the concept is first introduced, students struggle with it. To show them how to add integers, I use a number line, colored tiles, and, a set of rules. Some students need to count on the number line and others need to use the colored tiles to show how a negative and a positive become zero. Then, I have the advanced students who just need a set of rules to tell them what to do.
I like to give my students a test to see what strengths they have and which of the multiply intelligences fits them the best. This gives me an idea of where my students are. I also like to see which kind of learner they are, auditory, visual, or a hands on learner. As teachers, we have to meet the needs of all students. I like to give my students choice and variety when I give notes.
I think students learn best if they are taught in a way that reaches their specific learning styles and incorporates their multiple intelligences. For the most part, in my experience I think students learn best when they use manipulatives and construct their own understanding. If you simply tell a student how to do it and don't give an explanation many will get lost. The students need to practice and understand to be successful.
Here is the link for the multiple intelligence test that I give my students.
http://literacyworks.org/mi/assessment/findyourstrengths.html
The three main learning theories include behaviourism, Cognitivism, and Constructivism. Educational technology encompasses each of these. Educational technology is quite similar to traditional education; the delivery method is different. Educational technology can start out simple and then grow; starting with behaviourism and continuing to cognitivism, finally reaching constructivism where the learner has become independent. When a students first begins using technology they are not completely sure what to do and how to do it. Once they have come out of their box and explore, they can continue in their learning until they create their own ideas and beliefs.
The following link is a great visual representation of learning theory.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq9XIrNGgoQ
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Great ideas! I loved the multiple intelligence test and may have to borrow this for my students! In addition, I love the way you differentiate your lessons and cater to your various learners. My question is, how do you incorporate technology in your lesson? With the lesson on integers, if I was a student who loved technology, how would you grasp my attention and involve me in your lesson?
ReplyDeleteOur educational beliefs are very similar. As I read your post, I questioned myself did I write this blog. I also teach seventh grade math, use multiple intelligences, and teach using a variety of games, videos, songs, and projects. I believe teachers should meet students where they are and then identify strategies that will move them to the next level of performance (Van De Walle, 2007). When teachers use a variety of instructional strategies, it enhances the learning process because it makes the academic knowledge more accessible to more students.
ReplyDeleteAccording to Driscoll, (2005), we must plan instruction for two types of learning: the acquisition of knowledge and the experiences of learning by doing. This reinforces why we both teach integers using a number line, color tiles, and rules. We can easily see the different learning theories of behaviorism, constructivism, and cognitivism, as we focus on learning facts, using manipulatives, and understanding why the integer rules work and how to use them effectively.
I agree that telling students what to do without teaching them how to understand mathematical processes is a waste of time and detrimental to society. Our goal as a teacher is to create students, who can apply academic knowledge in various situations. As we learn how to incorporate more technology into our instructional practices, I think we will continue to see an increase in expecting students to know and justify math concepts using different forms of representation. I am looking forward to sharing more math resources and teaching strategies with you throughout this course. For example, I have found the following algebra website, http://teachers.henrico.k12.va.us/math/hcpsalgebra1/module2-1.html to be very resourceful as I teach seventh grade math. I hope you find it very helpful.
Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.
Henrico County Public Schools. (2002-2010). Algebra Modules and Resources. Retrieved from http://teachers.henrico.k12.va.us/math/hcpsalgebra1/module2-1.html
Van de Walle, J. (2007). Elementary and Middle School Mathematics: Teaching Developmentally (6th ed.). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.
Amy
Evonie,
ReplyDeleteI often use Web Quests to help students review and use technology. I create them, and I make sure I reach different types of students. The Web Quest includes games, review notes, and practice. This helps include technology and presents the material in a different way. My students really enjoy them.
Amy,
ReplyDeleteThat is exciting you teach 7th grade math too! We need to pick each other's brains through out the course!