Social Learning theory states that context and culture are critical in constructing knowledge and understanding of the world around us. Instructional models based on social constructivism stress collaboration among learners. Project based learning can help students to both learn content and apply their knowledge in a real-life situation. Other instructional models that promote social learning theories are reciprocal teaching, peer collaboration, cognitive apprenticeship and cooperative learning (Orey, 2001).
In addition to learning content, Cooperative Learning and Project-Based learning can also promote social interaction skills such as leadership, decision making, trust building, effective communication and conflict management. Instructional models based on social constructivism actively involve students in the learning process and also promote collaborative skills in a social setting.
Students in my classes have become avid bird watchers and eagle experts as they have been watching a live video feed of a nesting pair of bald eagles in Decorah, Iowa. The students’ engagement and enthusiasm has sparked interest in eagle research and the preservation efforts of raptorresource.org. They have witnessed first hand how the collaborative efforts of the Raptor Resource Project and community donors have helped to preserve raptors and strengthen the breeding populations. Students have also been able to make the connection that passion, learning, teaching and sharing can create positive social change.
As an extension to this learning and in honor of Earth Day, my students will be able to work in cooperative groups to research, teach and promote their own topic of interest which promotes positive change in our world. Below is a Voicethread which introduces the project to my students.
Resources:
Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page
Hi Cindy.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great project to expose your students to. I would have loved to have done something like this in school! I thought you tied your students' previous activities (eagle watching) to Earth Day and future project related to Earth Day. In the Voice Thread you did a great job of explaining to your students about what they were going to be doing in their "Earth Day Project". Will you give the students some sort of rubric in addition to the having them view the Voice Thread?
Again, great job.
Tonya Todd
Cindy, I enjoyed your project. This lesson ties with so many different subjects. For example, Science and Ecosystems - extinction or endangered species. Social Studies - american symbolisms. Math - charting data. ELA - Poetry in motion. In addition to the important concept of Earth day. I could see this project as becoming a cross-curriculum based project. Nice!
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ReplyDeleteJohna and Tonya - Thanks for the comments & feedback. Yes, I would like to implement this project with 4th graders. Through other introductory units and lessons done earlier in the year, 4th grade students will have a good understanding of using Microsoft Word's Publishing Layout to make a poster, PPT, iMovie, Voicethread and using web browsers and search engines effectively in order to research information. I wanted to come up with an activity that was more student driven, and let them choose which technology they feel would be most appropriate to complete their project. I will definitely give them supporting documents which will outline what to include in their project - depending on which technology they choose to use. They will also have a rubric which they will be familiar with - as we have worked together on creating rubrics for previous lessons & projects.
ReplyDeleteCindy,
ReplyDeleteThis project is really cool! It seems to have different facets to it that will appeal to so many students. You really take the students on a journey throughout this project where they become the experts about the birds, but also along the way they learn so much more. I like that you work together to create a rubric, I imagine that this makes the project more personal for them in that they get a say in how they are assessed.
Hi again Cindy.
ReplyDeleteThank you for answering my questions. It seems like you have created a well thought out activity. I like the fact that you want to get the students to think more on their own by creating a student-centered activity. Great job.
Tonya Todd