As I took a look through the constructivist learning sections in the learning resources this week, it made me sad to see that I am not very constructivist when it comes to my teaching methods. From what I can see, constructivist teachers are all about project based learning, which in my field of math, does not always come easy to make projects. The other problem that I have is the amount of material that I have in the curriculum and the actual amount of days that I see my students do not quite match up. With the push for standardized testing, I teach 2 classes directed toward getting my students to pass the High School Proficiency Assessment. Because of this, I do not have a lot of time for projects nor are these the motivated students who would jump on the opportunity to do a project because that would require them to think outside of the box.
In my Math Lab class, I try to do some projects just to break up the monotany of teaching towards a test. It is not fair to the students to have a second math class and be in a classroom where learning is not fun. I try to make it as fun as I can with group work, review games, and projects (where ever I can fit them).
I have been trying to open up and use more technology to fulfill what I would want to become as a constructivist teacher. I have been using Excel whenever I can with my Algebra 2 class and I also use programs that I find online for the students in my pull-out HSPA review classes for homework so that they aren't just taking home worksheets every night to do. I am excited about trying to become a more constructivist teacher, but I feel as though it will take time for me to get to that point.
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I asked the same question in our discussion or at least one similar. I am interested to see your point of view in terms of standardized testing, how it relates to changing the view point of the teachers perspective on teaching and also how different a class would be if we weren't sort of forced to teach to the test?
ReplyDeleteAlso, I want to give you a compliment on using more technology. I think it is important to not just force yourself into using technology but to use it in purposeful ways. Lots of times teachers use technology just to use it and not in a thoughtful approach. You seem to be incorporating it with a great deal of thought. Take care.
In response to both of you, I think that our classes would be tremendously different if we were not expected to teach to tests. It would allow for so much more project based learning, where students would be allowed to truly become independent thinkers and learners. It's ironic that administration ultimately wants students to become these types of students, yet they don't fully allow us to provide the type of environment to achieve these goals most effectively. It is frustrating!
ReplyDeleteI also applaud you for putting so much thought into purposeful ways to integrate technology. It's not always easy to take the "high road" and do that! However, that's what it takes to be a truly effective teacher. Good for you!
I think this is a definite struggle with teachers that often seems like it's overlooked by others. The demands to get students to pass the standardized test without teaching to the test seem unreasonable. Of course teachers will teach to the test on some level. As the NCLB date of full proficiency approaches the tension is growing even more. It's frustrating because using project based learning is so powerful. It's not that constructivist learning can't be done learning the standards. I definitely use creating meaningful connections for most curriculum; however, I wish there was just a little more time and leeway to let the students themselves really dig into projects. Math, especially, can lead to some very real and life lesson projects.
ReplyDeleteAnna, I agree with you that it can be a struggle to incorporate projects when you are strapped for time. Your use of technology is a great step in giving students the reigns in their education.
ReplyDeleteAnna,
ReplyDeleteI applaud you for trying to be creative in teaching a class that was created with the standardized test in mind. How long have you been teaching this extra mathematics course? Do you feel that it is helping the students greatly improve their scores?
Amanda D.