“Generating and Testing Hypotheses” is an instructional strategy that embeds technology and also incorporates the components of the constructivist learning theory. Dr. Orey states that the constructivist learning theory is a theory of knowledge stating that each individual actively constructs his/her own meaning. Effective teachers create learning opportunities in the classroom through inquiry, which means asking “good” questions. These kinds of questions generate hypotheses and prediction, which in turn can create higher level thinking in the classroom. Students deepen their understanding of key skills through this type of learning experience. When we think of testing hypotheses and inquiry, we instantly think of science, but this instructional strategy can easily be integrated into all content areas.
Mrs. O' Brien you are exactly right. I always thought that hypotheses and inquiry related to science. But I have come to learn that we use it in other content areas. Each day I try to generate questions to make my students use their higher thinking skills. Sometimes it is hard because my students vocabulary is the best but they do try. Good post!!
ReplyDeleteWhen you think of making a hypotheses or predictions you tend to think of Science Content and all that you can test in that area, but you are right, this can be used in many other subject areas, a book they are reading in Language Arts the outcome of the Civil War or even graphing in mathematics. Getting our students to ask questions and think of a plan to find the answers and then present that information in the artifact is not something that has been previously experienced for most of them, so these are skills that are going to be the foundation for their many years of education and even career to come. The Constructionist approach is one that at some point needs to be used in every classroom as it lends itself well to generating hypothesis and getting our students to drive their own learning.
ReplyDeleteThanks Demetria and Lisa for your feedback!
ReplyDeleteScience works great because the labs at the higher levels are very hands on. The students are actually creating and testing hypotheses. Students can benefit from engaging in constructionist activities in math as well. Students can use spreadsheets for many things. Students can collect data, create equations for their data, or create graphs. This may be difficult to do at the elementary level but I am amazed at how much technology the younger children are engaged in as well.
ReplyDelete