Killing Two Birds with One Stone: Using Exam Review to Teach Constructivism
EDI 600 Psychological Foundation of Education
School of Education
Long Island University, C. W. Post
November 17, 2008
Long Island University, C. W. Post
November 17, 2008
Learning is a collaborative experience between the learners and the instructors or more knowledgeable parties. As we learn there is a transfer of information from one person to another, yet it is important to understand that the information may be acquired and applied by the learner based on their own personal experiences. As constructivist theory states, meaningful or concerted learning is the active creation of knowledge based on personal perspective. Each individual brings their personal views of the world according to their background existing knowledge, interests, goals, thoughts, attitudes, and the like. The exercise in class to discuss the midterms was meant to spark conversation and create conditions conducive to social learning.
As Vygotsky believed, learning occurs through interactions with peers and more knowledgeable experts. In this way, the individuals will gain an abundance of information and be able to filter it through numerous perspectives and opinions. If one person was raised in one country, such as China for instance, they may look to their grandparents for advice and also pay great respect to their family unit. In the Western cultures, some people may look to their friends more for advice and give more respect to those that are not directly related to them. In this differing cultures, there may be a variety of ways that they interpret learning experiences. These factors must be taken into consideration during educational activities. This also occurred in another class when Dr. Boyanton did the Chinese lesson. She realized that each person may not be able to learn at the same pace and that individuals may need a variety of cues in order for them to comprehend the lesson.
While we reviewed the test, some of the students utilized their past knowledge and experience to answer questions. This may have led them to select the wrong answer, yet by discussing each question we were able to see how they understood the concept. It also gave insight into how each person applied the concepts they learned in class into their own experiences and teaching situations.
The race and special education question became a heated debate and led many to look outside of their own opinion and encompass what everyone else was thinking. Since race and special education are so emotionally charged, it was interesting how each student tried to speak their opinion in a way that was not demeaning or belittling. While there were moments of tension, each person was able to talk if they chose to and they had their voice heard. In this way, Dr. Boyanton introduced the students to a small degree of discovery learning. By having us discuss the questions amongst peers, it allowed us to seek solutions independently as well as cooperatively. It forced us to justify our answers with solid examples and made us evaluate why we answered certain questions in the way that we did.
In the case of special education, one student brought up the fact that we should not incorporate the world “normal” or “abnormal” when speaking about children. This was a valid point and it makes us realize how sensitive these issues are. It also makes us evaluate the best ways to approach dealing with them in the classroom and in the outside world. As teachers we will be confronted with tough and often emotional issues. It is our responsibility to take each student’s perspective into account and to make sure that everyone has their voice heard. While opinions may be debated over, it is important that it is done so in a manner that makes everyone feel confident about their perspective and their knowledge base.
As Vygotsky believed, learning occurs through interactions with peers and more knowledgeable experts. In this way, the individuals will gain an abundance of information and be able to filter it through numerous perspectives and opinions. If one person was raised in one country, such as China for instance, they may look to their grandparents for advice and also pay great respect to their family unit. In the Western cultures, some people may look to their friends more for advice and give more respect to those that are not directly related to them. In this differing cultures, there may be a variety of ways that they interpret learning experiences. These factors must be taken into consideration during educational activities. This also occurred in another class when Dr. Boyanton did the Chinese lesson. She realized that each person may not be able to learn at the same pace and that individuals may need a variety of cues in order for them to comprehend the lesson.
While we reviewed the test, some of the students utilized their past knowledge and experience to answer questions. This may have led them to select the wrong answer, yet by discussing each question we were able to see how they understood the concept. It also gave insight into how each person applied the concepts they learned in class into their own experiences and teaching situations.
The race and special education question became a heated debate and led many to look outside of their own opinion and encompass what everyone else was thinking. Since race and special education are so emotionally charged, it was interesting how each student tried to speak their opinion in a way that was not demeaning or belittling. While there were moments of tension, each person was able to talk if they chose to and they had their voice heard. In this way, Dr. Boyanton introduced the students to a small degree of discovery learning. By having us discuss the questions amongst peers, it allowed us to seek solutions independently as well as cooperatively. It forced us to justify our answers with solid examples and made us evaluate why we answered certain questions in the way that we did.
In the case of special education, one student brought up the fact that we should not incorporate the world “normal” or “abnormal” when speaking about children. This was a valid point and it makes us realize how sensitive these issues are. It also makes us evaluate the best ways to approach dealing with them in the classroom and in the outside world. As teachers we will be confronted with tough and often emotional issues. It is our responsibility to take each student’s perspective into account and to make sure that everyone has their voice heard. While opinions may be debated over, it is important that it is done so in a manner that makes everyone feel confident about their perspective and their knowledge base.
0 comments:
Post a Comment