Thursday, September 24, 2009

Cooperative and Collaborate Learning


Cooperative and Collaborate Learning
This form of learning took off during the 1980’s. It is a form of learning that deals with involvement mainly on the part of the students. It involves a team effort and everyone is encouraged to work together. Here student explore questions or work on a meaningful project. This involves a structured activity where strengths and weakness are developed to bring about an interpersonal skill. This form of learning is based on the constructivist Learning Method.
In Cooperative and Collaborate learning the students involved need to feel safe. They will also be challenged and contribute to the overall success of the task. There is no competition involved. There is a deep understanding of the task. Self motivation and self esteem are also developed. Students also learn about conflict resolution. Some of the other benefits of this learning are students will have hands on knowledge about diversity, acknowledgement, interpersonal development, activity involvement and more feed back on the topic discussed.
There have been many critics against the plan as well. Those you would say that the teachers using this plan are avoiding actual learning. Working in groups may not be beneficial for everyone. There could be a mixed matched with strength and weakness on the part of those participating. Also the question of who determines the size of the group involved.
For those who are for the plan stated that there is a structure to the format. The group learns how to resolve conflict within the group. Strength and weakness are addressed. There is a measurable method used such as the rubric. There are also reflection done on a regular basis and everyone is encouraged to do their best. This form of learning can also be used in any classroom setting. Questions are the basis of this plan because it links the interest of the students to bring about an expected result.
Lately the internet has been used to incorporate the learning process. With this technology there is no limit on who can participate. Students can participate with each other within or out of the district. Projects are done on the internet and students correspond with each other through emails. Also by using the internet this will help the students to have more access to more information that can be used.
Cooperative and Collaborate Learning is truly a learning experience for all involved.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Inquiry based Learning


Inquiry based Learning

This concept of learning is involved with processing information based on the five senses. There should be a content of the subject, conceptual framework processing of information skills and a nurtured habit mind. Questioning is vital in this learning because the more levels of question gathered, the more an individual will have to process that information to obtain knowledge. Knowledge is not only obtained by mastering a task but also involve active participation in the process. Processing and problem solving is also an essential in this form of learning. The environment and how one views it is also a key in this learning form. Through inquiry based learning one is prepared for life ahead and life long learning.
With this form of learning an individual learns from learning about things. The mind is nurtured in this process to form learning. With this approach to learning the individual learns to be a critical thinker. When this type of approach is used in the classroom setting the individual devise and makes a connection with the skills that are taught and applying it to everything around. This style of approach lays the ground rule for discipline and respect for information. Here the student is involved with the learning process. A willingness to learn and explorer is developed. The student asks questions, purpose explanation and use some form of observation to develop learning and critique that individual’s learning practices. In this learning environment the teacher is also actively involved.
Dewey and Socrates believed in this form of learning. Dewey proposed learning based on the real world and Socrates learning based on the environment. With this an individual not only completes school but learns to deal with the complex issues of life. This form of learning makes that transition more cop able. Everyone can be an active participant in this form of learning from the home to church and the community. An important element to remember is how one comes to know the information and what is used to make this happen are some vital keys to knowing about inquired based learning.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Constructivist Lesson Plan


The constructivist lesson plan uses six basic elements to come up with a strategy of how the learning process will occur. It is based on scientific theory and observation. It details and contains the elements of learning. Through this process we formulate our own ideas and thoughts. Once this happens everything is developed and learning occurs. The elements that are used to gauge this process consist of situation, grouping, bridge, question, exhibit, and reflection.
In the situation phase a manner of how order is addressed is dealt with for the student to sort out. There must be a title, problem solving, answering of questions, conclusion drawing and goal setting is stated all centered around how the student is going to come up with their own understanding. Next is grouping of team, individually or together. Then the other part deals with materials and how they are going to be for explanation and event. These are the two headings under grouping. Then a bridge is formed so prior understanding is worked into what will be taught. This could be explored through a game. Then the question phase which is used also as prompts to continue engaging. Also there is the exhibit phase similar to a show and tell. Finally, there is reflection where thinking and thoughts are emphasized; here one can look back on what was learned.
In the constructivist lesson plan there is always active sharing of information and everyone is involved in the learning process. The teacher is merely guiding the thought of the student to bring about learning and understanding. There are always suggestions being made in this lesson plan for the student to engage into. In this lesson plan the student’s opinion is taken into consideration and everything is relevant in this process. Concepts of learning is addressed and taught with the student in mind.
Student knowledge to learning ration is displayed in this form of lesson plan. Encouragement, engagement and active participation are all essential in the constructivist lesson plan. In the constructivist lesson plan the role of the student and teacher are always changing to bring about learning. One could say that with this lesson plan thinking is a criterion. All of these concepts are taken into consideration when formulating a constructivist lesson plan and learning is continual.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

What is the diffence between the behaviorist and constructivist lesson plan


The difference between the behaviorist and constructivist lesson plan format

In the behaviorist lesson plan format everything is virtually structured. There is a set format and everyone adhere to this strict format with little or no room for variation. Learning is similar to a set time frame and an event occurs in a series of sequences. The teacher’s role is one that is centered on structured experiences. Lesson is given with guided facts outlined. The teacher is basically the only lead person in this format. In other words one could say that the teacher is the leader and the students are not active followers. On the other hand the student role is a recipient with little or no input. Information and knowledge is given and that individual only receives the facts. Everyone is expected to be learning at the same time and at the same pace. All students are given the same lesson materials and work independently. The mood of the classroom setting is set or planned and focus is the key. The activities are set based on seatwork, testing, lectures, and discussions. Testing is based on written information. In this type of format one can see that everything is systematically placed together.
On the other hand the constructivist lesson plan format is one that goes beyond structure and more hands on approach. Although there are guidelines there is still room for deviation. Learning is not set on specified time fame. The teacher and the students interact. Mainly the focus shifts from teacher to student in an effort to enhance thinking. Information is given based on facts. Then an exploration takes place where prior knowledge is discussed and all information is gathered. There is a bridge that is set to enhance the learning process. Students play an active role as well in this type of format. The teacher is the leader but the students are active participants. Everyone is not isolated. Students can work as groups and individually. In this setting grouping and hands on is the key. In other words one may say that this format is not as strict.
When compared side by side on can see that there is a difference between the behaviorist and the constructivist lesson format and they are not the same. Students still learn regardless of the format use and the teacher is still in control. Facts are given but the format of how the information is displayed is different. As one can see the learning process varies and the guidelines used to bring about learning varies as well. Regardless of the format used as long as the information is given correctly everyone can benefit from using a lesson plan format.