New Insights and Their Implications- Blog #1

We have only had about 5 class periods of math, but I have learned so much in just a few short weeks. Not only have I learned about a new way of teaching math, but I also have a new sense of how to learn math myself. I have had a fear of math, and a fear of teaching math, yet slowly but surely that fear is disappearing. The new way of teaching math, through problem solving, makes math more understandable, and it also gives it a better sense of purpose to learning mat. I can remember when learning math I would continue to ask myself, “Why do I need this?” and saying “I’m never going to use this”. I hear that from a lot of students when talking about math, and that is really too bad. I also think teaching math through problem solving helps students to become better problem solvers in other areas of their schooling and their lives, such as when reading books or building projects in shop class. I really like the use of having students think about problems and come up with ways to solve that problem, before talking about how to do the problem. I think that this helps students to activate their brains and dig down deep to find an answer. I am looking forward to learning more about this new (to me any way) teaching style and also look forward to using it in my classroom!

Constructivism

What is constructivism?  Constructivism to me is creating meaning from my own knowledge or viewpoint.  Taking what I learn from my environment and making sense of it.  I also feel constructivism could be part of a learning theory or theories, but I am not sure what theory it would fit.

Deanna Smith

Preconceptions of Constructivism

Lauren Swann
ELED 330
Session 1
1-17-08

What is constructivism? When I think of the word constructivism, my brain reflects back to the days of my earlier ELED classes, and the one thing that I am confident about is that constructivism is a learning theory. Also, I believe that it is an approach that is more student based and hands-on type learning. In addition, I feel that constructivism allows for students to make connections between themselves and real life experiences.