After reading "Generating and Testing Hypotheses" in Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, I found that the strategy is very much related to constructivist/ constructionist learning theories. This is because by having students make their own hypotheses about a topic and test those hypotheses, the students are actually involved in creating (constructing) some project that helps them to test their hypotheses. By constructing some method of testing their hypotheses, students learn first-hand whether or not their hypothesis is correct. They also construct an understanding of the topic that they are hypothesizing about, which allows them to learn that particular topic.
One specific example that I liked from this chapter was Mrs. Omar's interactive spreadsheet that students used to determine which investment was best. Students were able to put in their own starting values to see which investment choice was best. This was a great way to allow students to test their hypotheses without a lot of tedious calculations. It allowed them to construct their knowledge by seeing how the values changed based on the initial investment made (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). By using technology, students are also more likely to get excited about the topic as well.
References
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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I also like spreadsheet software to save students the tedious work.
ReplyDeleteI was starting to type about my schools lack of computer accessibility, but we have all heard that complaint and have to deal with it.
How cool would it be if every student had an ipod touch, or even better the new ipad. That would open up all kinds of chances to do everything we have been talking about the past few weeks/months in our Walden classes.
I wonder how long it will take before every student has a school issued computer? I know a lot of private colleges already do this.
Chip,
ReplyDeleteI cannot even imagine all of the possibilities that would be available to us if every students did have an ipod touch or ipad! I really hope I see that day in education!!
Sally