Week 4- Old School Classroom versus Constructivist Classroom

For this week’s resources we had to read the article “What is a Constructivist Classroom?”. The big idea I got was that with constructivist classroom settings you want to construct meaning to what is being learned as opposed to a traditional classroom, information is given to you, you either understand or you do not, and you have to move on to the next lesson. The times I have seen teachers teach with “old school” strategies, I notice students are sooo bored! The accelerated learners are not being challenged and the struggling learners are pretty much forgotten. You can either sink or swim.

I thought it was so interesting to notice the great differences between a traditional “old school” versus constructivist classroom. There was teacher directed versus the learner centered instruction. Teacher directed is when the teacher gives the lesson and you listen. Learner centered instruction is when the teacher is the facilitator and the students construct the knowledge through critical thinking, manipulatives, primary sources, and hands-on activities. I feel this is so important especially when teaching English Language Learners. Not all student learn the same way and students do not effectively learn by sitting and listening to us speak for hours! I would hate that as a kid myself! Another comparison that drew to me was students working independently versus students working collaboratively in groups, independently, OR, in partners. So it is not ALWAYS independent work. I have learned that with collectivistic classrooms working independently can obstruct student learning based on their culture. In collectivistic families, family is crucial and helping one another is instilled from the beginning. So an individualistic setting can really negatively impact family oriented students.

Working as a paraprofessional for seven years, I have seen teachers practice both settings. It literally breaks my heart to see “old school” settings in classrooms, especially since we are in such a technology driven society nowadays. Worksheets are no longer cutting it! I believe they never have. We have to find ways to make learning fun and innovative.