I think the constructivists approach is my favorite way to teach because it seems as though the students get the most out of this method of teaching. Through discovery, group work, and creating a final product, I believe the lesson stays with them longer, and overall, has a greater impact. Furthermore, in today’s working world, it is so important to be capable of being a productive member of a group or team. Being able to relate to people at work is 50% of what being a good employee means, which will lead to promotions, and so on. The group work involved in the constructivist approach is a tremendous tool in helping students learn how to work with others and solve problems together. I have even gone so far as to create problems within the group, and told my students they must figure out a way to resolve the issues.
On the flip side, teaching in the constructivist approach opens the door for chaos at times, and sometimes does not allow for personal reflection. I think it is important to end a constructivist assignment with a little personal reflection. For example, a journal entry about what the student learned would be good in helping the student “marinate” on what he or she has gotten from the lesson.
I have really learned a lot from my classmates in our group discussion. It was interesting to get everyone’s thoughts on how to incorporate technology into the constructivist approach. From electronic pen pals, to web quests, there are multiple ways to use technology when teaching with this method. I also learned that is can prove difficult to incorporate technology in the elementary grades, more specifically, kindergarten, but I think through our groups discussion we came up with a few things the elementary teachers can use.
Overall, the constructivist approach helps students learn to use technology, work in groups, and problem solve together. What better way to prepare them for the real world?
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