Constructive Learning

Constructive learning is a way to “use the tools you have” to gain new set of tools. More specifically, the concept of constructive learning helps us use the knowledge we already have and apply it in a matter that allows us to learn something new. Educators use this tactic in the classroom with great success. The video on constructivist math correcting showed how students worked together to correct their own math assignments. The neat thing about the exercise in this video is the students were able to learn from each other. This is a great way for students to learn because often times they can relate to each other more easily than a student/teacher relationship. The students are basically closes in knowledge and life experiences (especially comparing an elementary student to the teacher) so they can draw upon their life experiences to explain things in a way that makes more sense to them. Take a look at this video:

Now think about this skills learned in this exercise. It wasn’t simply learning how to solve the math problems. The students learned other valuable skills such as how to respectfully work together and how to communicate effectively with one another. Additionally, for those who had the right answer, and then had to explain it to his or her peers, they were able to use this method to reinforce their learning experience in a memorable way.

Constructivist lessons do not only need to come from the direction of peers alone. Mr. McCloud uses constructivist math lessons in his seventh grade math classroom to find the surface area of a cylinder. Watch the video of his exercise. Notice how the students work together to solves the problem. They also use real objects- a can – to help them relate the problem to something they have seen before. Review this lesson at the link below by watching the video.

Discovering Surface Area of a Cylinder

Now, let’s go beyond the classroom and think about the lessons created at home that could be considered constructivist math. We may not realize it but the common card games we play, such as cribbage or rummy requires basic math skills for addition and subtraction. Playing these games with children requires them to use their math skills in a practical application. The same could be said of dice games, such as the game 10,000.  If a parent wants to be really proactive, they could go out on the web and find games online that require students to use their math skills to “win” or earn points in a game. The website Learning Games for Kids is an example of online resources that combine learning and fun to enhance student enagement. Check it out: Learning Games for Kids.