I found that the strategies for testing hypotheses relates to constructivist/constructionist learning theories. Teachers can help guide their students to make hypotheses through a series of six tasks. They can use system analysis, problem solving, historical investigation, invention, experimental inquiry, and decision making (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. 2007).
These tasks correlate to the constructivist/constructionist theory because constructivists believe knowledge is a constructed element resulting from the learning process (Lever-Duffy, J. & McDonald, J. 2008). Students using such skills as investigation, problem solving, experimental inquiry, and decision making are constructing their own knowledge and assimilating and accommodating information into their existing schema. If projects are challenging enough and grade level appropriate students will encounter disequilibrium where they will need to assimilate and accommodate in order to work through their task. According to constructivism, each child is going to learn and experience in their own way in order to grasp a concept. They will have to come to their own decisions and answers based on the knowledge they have constructed.
Once students have their data they are able to use technology to test their hypothesis. They can use spreadsheet software, data collection tools, and put their information in charts and graphs. Using educational technology gives students a concise view of their hypothesis and their answers.
Lever-Duffy, J. & McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical Foundations (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I can't agree with you more when you say that educational technology gives students a concise view of their hypotheses and answers. I think that the older students can appreciate more of the educational technology independently. As a primary teacher I sometimes feel challenged because I feel like I have to perform the technology for my students. This often prevents creativity even though we're doing it together as a class. How do you use constructivism in your classroom?
ReplyDeleteWe recently received some hand held computing devices for the science classroom. In an attempt to have the students learn through their own experiences, I am going to have them test their hypothesis on weather each day with these devices. These devices will even make a graph of the recorded data.
ReplyDelete