Reflection Entry 11

http://www.ndtwt.org/Blackboard/P2SST2/authenticlearning.htm

This website defines authentic learning and explains what the elements of authentic learning are. I focused on the last section about technology integration because I have received new technology, an ActivBoard, in my classroom. Part of what makes learning authentic is that technology can provide access to resources that previously weren't available. It makes me think about virtual field trips, tours, and interviews with specialists like authors, or scientists, etc. Our second grade took a field trip to the library where they were able to interact through a video chat with a famous author and ask questions and get feedback from her. It was a great experience for the students and they learned a great deal. If it can't be done in person, then the options with technology are expanded.

Reflection Entry 10

http://www.ncsu.edu/meridian/win2003/authentic_learning/

This article defines authentic learning and explains the characteristics of it. As I read through the characteristics of authentic learning it made me think about the way that I do things in my own classroom. I analyzed how often and in what subjects I provide these settings for my students. It also made me start thinking about how I could incorporate my new ActivBoard into making learning more realistic and authentic. Going through my day, I realized that our math program creates authentic situations as they problem solve, and spelling allows them to construct their own generalization and how to use it in their daily spelling. In reading, I teach and they practice using real strategies to help them become better teachers. In science, it is easy to incorporate authentic experiences; however, I found difficulty in social studies, particularly history. I use textbooks and they do answer questions, but they also do activities. I feel that if there is an area to improve authentic learning, that would be it. Any suggestions, let me know!

Resource Log

http://rockman.com/articles/AuthenticLearning.htm
Real examples of authentic learning.

http://pandora.cii.wwu.edu/showcase2001/authentic_learning.htm
Definition of authentic learning.

http://www.ndtwt.org/Blackboard/P2SST2/authenticlearning.htm
Information about authentic learning.

http://www.ncsu.edu/meridian/win2003/authentic_learning/
Definition of authentic learning and explains characteristics of authentic learning.

http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI3009.pdf
Explains how technology can be incorporated into authentic learning.

Reflection Entry 9

Spilka, R. (2002, March 20). Approximately "Real World" Learning with the Hybrid Model. Teaching with Technology Today, 8(6). Retrieved February 11, 2009, from http://www.uwsa.edu/ttt/articles/ spilka.htm

This article is about a professor who had previously taught face-to-face classes, and discovered that his students relied on him to much. He switched to using the hybrid model to teach a writing class. The students were in class, but then also met and worked outside of class in a real world environment. He found out that his students surpassed his expectations and were able to learn much more as they guided their own learning. What I liked about this article was that it shows that no matter what the age of the learner, hands on authentic learning is beneficial to most learners.

Reflection Entry 8

http://elenimi.googlepages.com/DesignConstructivistHonebein.pdf

As I read through this article, I found most interesting the seven goals for constructivist learning. The goals include providing experience with the knowledge construction process, providing experience for multiple perspectives, embed learning in realistic and relevant contexts, encourage ownership and voice in the learning process, embed learning in social experience, encourage use of multiple modes of representation, and encourage self awareness of the knowledge construction process. Authentic learning is basically constructivism because students are actively learning in a real world context. I think the best teachers are able to achieve these goals, and I hope that I can continue to improve my own teaching to do so.

Resource Log

http://udel.edu/~jconway/authlrn.htm

http://www.people.iup.edu/nbjn/2%20The%20Link%20Between%20Technology%20and%20Authentic%20Learning.pdf.

http://www.funderstanding.com/content/authentic-assessment

This website defines authentic assessment.

http://digitalliteracy.mwg.org/constructivisim.html

This website discusses the authentic learning and constructivism. It also has a list of websites dealing with and defining constructivism.

Resource Log

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constructivism_(learning_theory)

http://www.time.com/time/time100/scientist/profile/piaget.html

(Profile on Jean Piaget)

http://www.infed.org/thinkers/et-mont.htm

(Profile on Maria Montessori)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immanuel_Kant

(Profile on Immanuel Kant)

http://www.vonglasersfeld.com/

(Profile on Ernst Von Glasersfeld)

Reflection Entry 7

In the Project Construct book, there is a section on the Sociomoral Domain. One of the goals in the social development is to "cooperate and collaborate as a member of a learning community" (55). This is important as it relates to constructivism because if students feel safe and have a sense of respect for one another, they are more likely to take risks in the classroom and ask questions and will be better able to construct learning. As a teacher, I work very hard to build a classroom community so that this can happen. We do a lot of work at the beginning of the year, and this year, I created a program "Team Building Mondays" where each Monday we do a team building or cooperative activity involving the kids working together. I think it is a positive thing to do, and it was working well so far.

Reflection Entry 6

Constructivism is when students acquire their knowledge through inquiry, research, and their own investigation. As they construct their knowledge, they are enhancing their ability to think critically and analyze information. The goal of constructivism is not to simply memorize and regurgitate information. If a student is truly in a constructivist classroom, they will be more likely able to retain and apply that information. Student learning must be active both mentally and physically, and not passive. Students learn by discovering their own answers as opposed to listening to a lecture.

These are my notes from the book Creating and Sustaining the Constructivist Classroom. As I read through this book, it is very helpful in how to truly be a constructivist teacher. As I read more, I will post what I find!

Resource Log

Marlowe, B. & Page, M. (2005). Creating and sustaining the constructivist classroom. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

This is a book on constructivism. It has great resources as far as making a constructivist classroom.