Generating and Testing Hypothesis with Technology; and how it relates with Constructivist Learning Theories

Constructivism is based on the idea that learners construct learning for themselves. It is when learners generate learning for themselves as a result of the experiences they encounter as they gain a firsthand experience which can be stored for further articulation of knowledge. Furthermore, Dr Orey, in his lecture on Constructionist and Constructivist Learning Theories,  said that in constructivism, the individual's new knowledge is based on three mechanisms: assimilation, accommodation, and equilibration which have the central and determinant factor of the individual’s beliefs and understandings (schema). Assimilation occurs when an individual incorporates new experiences into existing or old experiences. This causes the individual to develop new outlooks, rethink and evaluate their understandings; ultimately their perceptions will be altered. While accommodation, according to Dr Orey; is when beliefs and understandings are altered to fit what is already present.  Equilibration, on the other hand, is a process of achieving a balance between differences in external reality and one’s current beliefs and understandings (schema). It is a state whereby the mind is brought to a place of balance as a result of having experiences that tally with what has been internalized (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011). This site http://www.learning-theories.com/constructivism.html has more information on constructivism  and indeed other learning theories and models.

Technology can be used by learners to help them construct their learning in a useful way, while the teacher acts as a facilitator. This site http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech005.shtml sheds more light on how teachers can integrate technology in constructivism. My fifth graders will particularly find spreadsheet useful when we treat the mathematics lesson on money. They will work in small groups of four as I give them a scenario of a merchant and his enterprise, who started his business with a certain amount of money which was borrowed from the bank at a particular rate. They will then build up their learning themselves as they generate and test the hypotheses on profit and loss, simple interest; and commission and discount. This project based learning will give the students the opportunity to pay visits to the bank and at least a buy and sell business enterprise where they will ask pertinent questions. This will help them connect their academic work to real life issues (Edutopia Staff, 2008), which will help prepare them for the 21^st century workplace.

The theory of constructivism can work hand in hand with generating and testing hypothesis strategy, along with technology because the latter is a veritable tool in construction; be it with PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel spreadsheet or other spreadsheet software found on the internet such as Google Spreadsheets and wikiCalc. You can explore the study on research based strategies including generating and testing hypotheses further on http://www.netc.org/focus/strategies/gene.php. The learner can begin constructing his learning from the scratch so as to know the whole concept of the learning process.  Spreadsheet software particularly is useful for generating and testing hypothesis, as the teacher takes the time to make adequate preparation of the spreadsheet so that useful time is not wasted if the pupils have to do the preparation themselves. When learners generate and test hypotheses, they will be able to gain experiences that are valuable for future references in the real world (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007), and this is the very essence of constructivist learning theories.

Damilola

References

Edutopia Staff. (2008, February 28). Why teach with project based learning?: Providing students with a well-rounded classroom experience.[Blog message]. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/project-learning-introduction
 

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program seven: Constructionist and constructivist learning theories [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved January 21, 2012 from: http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.