Monday, November 26, 2012

Using Technology to Transform the Classroom

Constructivism is the idea that individuals construct their own knowledge and apply meaning (Lever-Duffy& McDonald, 2008). Being a CTE instructor, all of my classes allows for this theory to be practiced. For example: In my wood working class, students learn everything they need to know about tools and the building process. From their prior experience / knowledge, they can the build various projects and enhancing their learning experience.
After all of the instruction and safety practices have been installed, the classroom turns into a student directed environment. As a teacher, I just monitor the class for safety concerns and provide tips. Students are encouraged to complete the project with emphasis on quality and safety.
References: 
Lever-Duffy, J., & McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical foundations (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

1 comment:

  1. Jeremy,
    I was wondering if you have your students work collaboratively on project building and what type of project work would you assign? I have students work collaboratively on group projects fairly often particularly when I need to provide a learning experience via collaborative means for the lower level learners or in a general sense when I wish to preassess or prepare students for a new direction in their learning.
    One area of difficulty that occurs fairly often is how to deal with the product upon completion. Collaborative projects present the problem of student desire to come away with a part of it. With computer based project developmnent this is not as much of an issue. With the pride that in most cases follows the construction of a physical piece the feeling is much differant. What are your thoughts on this?
    Jim

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