The reading selection Generating and Testing Hypothesis, from Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that works states when students generate and test hypothesis, they are engaging in complex mental processes, applying content knowledge like facts and vocabulary, and enhancing their overall understanding of the content. (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007., p. 202)
Until this year, I did not use generating and testing hypothesis in any of my computer application curriculum or assessments. With the inclusion of Robot C and Sim City 4 Deluxe into the our middle school computer curriculum, I am now exposed to project based learning and ultimately, to the interesting projects students have produced.
This new curriculum for the sixth and seventh grade students is different from my former instruction style. Instead of teacher driven lecture and directions, I introduce the idea and model of Robot C, and then facilitate and manage the classroom as the students build their own version of Robot C. Not all robots look alike, and that is correct. At first I thought the variations were a result of misconceptions the students had as I was introducing the project. In fact, variations were desirable and expected. When students programmed their robot to go through the maze, there were many failures before the correct codes were discovered. This trial and error in programming the robot with different codes tested students hypothesis regarding robot control. There are six tasks teachers can use to help students generate and test hypothesis. The tasks are systems analysis, problem solving, historical investigation, invention, experimental inquiry and decision making. (Pitler, etal., 2007., Page 203.) I believe the students ending up drawing conclusions from all six of the tasks as they worked and worked to discover the successful series of code.
How this strategy relates to constructivist/constructionist learning is evident when the project students have built is assessed. After building a model, does it work as designed? In our classroom, does Robot C travel through the maze accident free? Students need to go back to the drawing board many times in order to program and download correct firmware. The students are excited when they figure out the speed, degrees and turns the code requires.
In regards to this week’s PBL episodes, I thought the spreadsheet exercise in estimating percentage change in population for the fifty states was fascinating. The teacher did a thorough job of setting up a project based learning exercise for her students. The formula she helped them create produced satisfying results. With imagination, Web 2.0 tools can be utilized for student collaboration in project based learning assignments. According to Dr. Orey, constructionism can be as simple as having students construct a PowerPoint presentation. (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011) I believe PowerPoint and Keynote were the fore runners of project based learning. New, exciting curriculum is exploding with constructivist learning as the basis for project driven learning.
Students remember their learning experiences when they are challenged to build, and then assess a project that is different and innovative. Helping students remember their learning experiences is desirable for student advancement.
I have never heard about this instructional strategy, in any other course than Science, so you can just imagine how shocked I was to see that it can be implemented in other areas. PBLs are somewhat new to me, I have used them but they came from the GLENCOE website (webquest), where everything was already prepared for me. I would really like to know some more about the Robot C project, can you email me a link?
ReplyDeleteI really do think that students recall more information, if they are responsible for their learning, and like you said, "when students programmed their robot to go through the maze, there were many failures before the correct codes were discovered" This was their way of learning by discovery.
I grew up playing Sim City but Robot C is new to me. It sounds interesting!
ReplyDeleteWhile I agree that PowerPoint is great for project based learning, I am excited about new programs like Prezi that are geared toward group collaboration. In the past during group projects students had to paste all of their slides together, but with Prezi they can all work in the same space from their own access points.