My argument would be that social learning is the primary way that people construct meaning. As I listened to Dr. Michael Orey explain Social Constructivism and Collaborative Learning, I was taken back to my early teaching days as preschool teacher (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010). I often watched the interaction between 3 and 4 year olds as they explored, conversed and constructed with blocks. During this time of play, the children were actively engaged in building an agreed upon structure. They talked about what they would build and how they would build it. Each was responsible for an integral part of the construction. Each was socializing, co-operating, collaborating and learning.
As teachers, we should use group projects that embed technology as a main instructional strategy. Students actively engaged in meaningful conversation while constructing an artifact exemplifies the Social Learning/Social Constructivism Theory. These group activities can take from minutes to days to incorporate. With multimedia, web resources and communication software we can be assured that students will be working cooperatively toward a unified goal (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). Multimedia projects can include a power point presentations, movies, news podcasts, etc. Web resources include, but are not limited, to: Wikis, WebQuests, Keypals, and Skype.
Research has shown that active and cooperative learning has numerous advantages over the traditional lecture format. From positive learning achievement to significant improvement in students’ relationships, collaborative learning is one strategy that all teachers should incorporate. (Retrieved from: http://www2.ed.gov/pubs/OR/ConsumerGuides/cooplear.html) Add the integration of technology tools and students are more engaged and motivated to learn.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). 2010. Program 8: Social learning theories [DVD]. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). 2010. Program 8: Social learning theories [DVD]. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Hi Nadia.
ReplyDeleteI liked your example of how 3 and 4 year olds building with blocks during play time is like cooperative learning/working. I agree with you that people do primarily learn through social interactions and working together with others. Also, thanks for sharing the link to the site promoting cooperative learning. I like the fact that it mentions cooperative learning can increase student success IF individual accountability and group accountability is taken into consideration.
Good post. I also left a comment on your Voice
Thread blog page.
Thanks for sharing.
Tonya Todd