Constructivist Theory

As I went through my undergraduate program, there was a strong focus on the constructivist theory and theorist. The foundation of my teaching career had a strong constructivist focus. Today, I have slightly veered away from these principles, but strongly believe in their value and worth. I strive to make real world connections with the standards that are being taught! When teaching my money unit, I include items that my 2nd grade students would be interested in buying. The students are instantly connected!

As I began my teaching career, I taught in a brain-based charter school. Each unit had to incorporate a variety of learning styles. The teachers also took a multiple intelligence test to see how they taught and learned. Looking over the results helped me to teach in a way that my students learned.

Although I have moved away from some of the constructivist theories (as I wrap my brain around how to teach and assess the common core standards), I still consider myself a constructivist designer.

Balance

I have acquired a lot of new knowledge over the course of the 2 weeks. I learned the difference between assessment and evaluation. Assessment is a form of collecting data to test student achievement. Different types of assessment include multiple choice and essays.

Evaluation is how you would assess a program. One would evaluate whether or not a workshop/ professional development added value to the knowledge or skills of a teacher. Evaluations are usually done at the end.

I was also able to explore the different features of CourseSite. One of the major benefits include easy of use for the instructor and students. When teaching a full online course or hybrid, student disposition is extremely important. You don’t want students becoming too overwhelmed by the host site, that they lose course content.

Last week, we were introduced to the acronym: DOAICE, which stand for demonstration, objective, assessment, instructional strategy, content, and evaluation. If any one of these area are missing or out of line, your whole course could be DOA (dead on arrival). It is clearly important to carefully plan the course in the beginning, as to avoid any of these pitfalls. Having balance in the course is going to be extremely important.