Reflection Entry 16

I have found this experience thus far to be very interesting. For me, being a type a person, I always want to get things done and on time. It is hard for me to work on group projects and rely on other people. I would much rather do some things by myself. I actually am looking forward to playing all three roles for this last chapter. I don't need to wait on other people's research, and worry about making sure I have the chapter finished in time for the editor to write the quiz questions and answers. It is nice that we can research a related topic of our choice, and apply everything that we used earlier in the semester. I appreciate that I am able to work at my own pace as well, and am excited to research web authoring tools and collaborative research this upcoming week.

Resource Log

http://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/Socio-constructivism

https://www.msu.edu/~purcelll/constructivismlearningtheory.htm

http://www.answers.com/topic/constructivism-learning-theory#The_learner_as_a_unique_individual

http://www.rr1.net/users/dsmbrown/Constructivism.htm

Reflection Entry 15

http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/assment/as7const.htm

This website describes assessment in a constructivist classroom using Brooks and Brooks. It explains the principles of a constructivist teacher. The principle that stood out to me the most was that "Constructivist teachers encourage students to engage in dialogue both with the teacher and with one another." This situation reminds me of how I run my class meetings. I notice the students talking to me instead of each other. This has improved significantly over the course of the year, and that has been a goal of mine for the students to engage in more conversation with each other.

Reflection Entry 14

http://www.ifets.info/journals/3_2/tam.html

Tam's article discusses the technological piece with the role of the learner. She mentions how computers were effective in developing higher order thinking skills. In addition, she notes that technology tools can aid in learning, and that they can help learners get relevant information and provide opportunities for the learner to look at a variety of viewpoints so they can construct their own knowledge. I found her article helpful because it discussed how the learner can use the technology instead of the instructor, which I appreciate because as a teacher, I want my students to use technology and whatever they can to help them understand.

Reflection Entry 13

http://www.k12academics.com/constructivism_theory.htm

This website discusses constructivism and focuses on the role of the learner. The learner is unique, and no learners are the same. The culture and background of the learners are also important to consider because they use their prior knowledge to build new knowledge. In addition, the responsibility for learning is on the learner, because they are actively involved in the process. The motivation for learning comes from the learner's confidence in his or her abilities and potential. I found this site interesting and helpful as I authored chapter five. As teachers we sometimes forget that it is not about us, but about the students. Examining the role of the learner was important for me to do, because that is where my focus should be.

Reflection Entry 12

A journal article, "A Constructivist Case Study Examining Leadership Development of Undergraduate Students in Campus Recreational Sports," was a study on several campus leaders and their leadership skills. Some key points that the college leaders noted where that when making decisions, it is a good idea to have support from their group members. In addition, they commented on how their public speaking and written communication skills improved. The leaders also gained an appreciation for diversity while working with others. Not only that, but they said that part of learning and being a good leader is when you can learn from your mistakes. I think that this ties in to constructivism because the students are discovering how to be a good leader and working through knowing what it takes to be a good leader using the constructivist process of active learning. They are truly learning by doing, and at the same time, are learning a lot about themselves.

Hall, S., Forrester, S. & Borsz, M. (2008). A constructivist case study examining leadership development of undergraduate students in campus recreational sports. Journal of College Student Development, 49(2).

Resource Log

http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=AbJc4Kg6XQoC&oi=fnd&pg=PA141&dq=constructivism+and+role+of+learner&ots=Wzkwp4Sbnu&sig=huJy5p-efzRZZE-UABmYJ3_KGbg#PPA141,M1

http://www.k12academics.com/constructivism_theory.htm

http://www.bsu.edu/web/jmschall/edpsy3.html

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

http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/assment/as7const.htm

http://www.citejournal.org/articles/v7i2languagearts1.pdf

Resource Log

http://www.ifets.info/journals/3_2/tam.html

http://ejite.isu.edu/Volume2No1/nanjappa.htm

http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=sgH97wbGEVAC&oi=fnd&pg=PA184&dq=constructivism+and+role+of+learner&ots=G1fRq0v0ZP&sig=X8nV4l5mqKyn9WrfxWMRNgJl_xE#PPA185,M1

http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=81Ijn3Qe2N4C&oi=fnd&pg=PA25&dq=constructivism+and+role+of+learner&ots=talt-sRNGi&sig=Auh4ljhUaFjbMu5JzTwEoMcN9h4#PPA25,M1

http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=7Uv8NHvKK44C&oi=fnd&pg=PA161&dq=constructivism+and+role+of+learner&ots=XNdF0zZenz&sig=BnB3PPgUJr5YDNQkz9VV3GBTd5Y#PPA161,M1

http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=AbJc4Kg6XQoC&oi=fnd&pg=PA141&dq=constructivism+and+role+of+learner&ots=Wzkwp4Sbnu&sig=huJy5p-efzRZZE-UABmYJ3_KGbg#PPA141,M1