This week's learning theory is the social learning theory. The idea behind this theory is that student's learn from each other and by working cooperatively. In the text "Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works" cooperative learning is described as a type of learning in which "students interact with each other in groups in ways that enhance their learning" (Pilter, Hubbell, Kuhn, Malenoski, 2007). What I like about this theory is that students use their individual strengths in order to contribute to the efforts of a group to reach a common goal. Students learn from each other every day, and the thought that teachers can give some direction to help them take on the role of educator is very appealing to me. Society requires that people interact with one another and we are responsible for preparing young students for their future.
Some of the suggested activities in the text that caught my eye are Keypals and Web Site Creation. Keypals are an updated version of what many teachers know as pen pals. There are several web sites that can be used to communicate with students around the world, but with much less wait time (www.epals.com/ , www.world kids.net/clubs/kci , http://www.iecc.org/). Email and the Internet have made communication more accessible to students and teachers alike. Web site creation can be thought of as a research project. Groups of students work together to build a web site that has multiple pages that cover a subject given by the instructor. I have to say that I have never used either of these techniques, but I could definitely like to make room in my curriculum for something like one of these.
I am required to post a VoiceThread assignment that I worked on this week that is an activity that students could participate in while falling under the social learning theory. The page that I have been working on is http://voicethread.com/share/1040684/. The subject hat I chose to "try" and present on was spanish speaking students in the classroom. Regrettably I am not happy with how this project went for me because it seems like it could be a fun and educational activity. I did not get much onto the presentation partially because of my ignorance with the program and partially because time was very sparse this week. I definitely have work to do to understand this tool, but I like it enough to actually try it some more. My current frustration level got the best of me this week!
Resources:
Pilter, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., Malenoski, K. (2007). Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works. Alexandiria, VA: ASCD
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Josh,
ReplyDeleteCooperative learning would seem to be more effective in a true team sport. Swim meets include a team that is built from individual times and results. Could you use social learning models during strength and conditioning to help your swimmers improve their technique, endurance, and performance? I was a college baseball player so I do not necessarily understand the pedagogy associated with aquatics.
Josh, would it be possible to for students to keep a recorded measure of their lap time, pulse rate, body weight over time? Also, could students compare these results to students from other schools? Additionally, could students compare their results as a group to classes from previous years to compare how they "stack up?"
ReplyDeleteI also like how the social learning theory allows students to use their individual strengths to contribute to the efforts of a common goal. It also allows students to develop a positive self-concept and increase their communication skills. I believe that the social learning theory when use with technology allows each student to have a voice and gives them the freedom to express themselves in some shape or form. When use with technology, the social learning strategies can also support different learning styles and gives everyone the opportunity to participate and share.
ReplyDeleteGreg-