Connectivism and Social Learning in Practice (application 5)
This week we discussed the social learning theories and instructional strategies that correlate with the social learning theories. First I think it is important that we know what the social learning theory is, which was presented by Dr. Orey; he states that social learning theory is “students actively engage in constructing artifacts and conversing with others” (Laureate Education, 2009). One of the strategies discussed this week was the use of cooperative learning. Cooperative learning focuses on “having students interact with each other in groups in ways that enhance their learning” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007).
Social learning theory is based on the concept that students work and learn better when they are in groups and able to socialize with peers. When using cooperative learning it is important that you as a teacher group students based on ability levels sparingly, the groups should be small, and cooperative learning should be used consistently but not overused (Pitler, et.al., 2007). One activity that was mentioned for cooperative learning which I found very neat was the use of keypals. Keypals allow “communication with students in other cities, states, and countries” (Pitler, et.al., 2007). I think this is a fantastic activity that can be incorporated in all subject areas. Any activity that allows for the student to learn outside of their zone of proximal development is great, and if that information comes from peers it is ever better because students can relate to them better than say an adult giving them the same information. The zone of proximal development is what the child is able to learn at the time, but to reach above that level students need a more knowledgeable other to learn the information (2009), in this above case this would be the peer they are communicating with to learn their culture and issues that they encounter in their lives.
Social learning theory is a theory that should be used in classrooms today. A classroom should not just be base on social learning theory but needs to be included into the classroom. You can incorporate this by having students work in groups, having students use keypals, webquests, multimedia projects, creating websites, and even playing web-enabled multiplayer simulation games (Pitler, et. al., 2007). Any activity that allows for the students to work together and communicate with their peers is going to benefit the student as well as engage students in learning.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Social Learning Theories.
[Motion Picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore:
Author.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kunh, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom
instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
Voice Thread: http://voicethread.com/share/525620/
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ReplyDeleteHello Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteSorry for the deletion, I notice a glarring typo. Here's my response.
I am certain, as a P.E. teacher, you utilize many variations of cooperative learning and the social learning theory. By nature, several sports require the utilization of teamwork; you are only as strong as your weakest link. Would you mind expounding on how having to work together and relying on your teammates brings about positive outcomes that might otherwise not have been achieved?
As for implementing technology in the P.E. class as a cooperative effort, I am sure videos work well. Coaches around the world video tape their teams as a way of watching how well they work as a unit, among other things. Have you ever utilized that tool in your classroom, or with the teams you coach?
I also like the idea of children using either wikis or blogs that discuss their calorie intake, or activity level, and allowing others to respond to offer suggestions, or encouragement. I always do better with things when I am publicly encouraged, or held accountable to others. I am not sure your county allows blogging or wikis, but I would love to hear your thoughts on that as well.
Thank you and I look forward to hearing your thoughts!
Lauren
In answer to your question about how relying in teammates brings about positive outcomes I can use many different examples. With many sport activities that we do in P.E. if students do not communicate such as volleyball, the ball will just hit the ground or students will run into one another and this would allow for the other team to get a point. Had the students communicated they would have been able to contact the ball and not give the other team a point. I am very competitive so I do not like just giving another team a point when it could have been prevented. We are not allowed to do blogging with our students but I wish we could I think blogging would be a great way for students to track thier activity levels and chat with other classmates on how they stay active and the importance of being active. I have showed videos to my softball team, in order to help them better understand the idea of backing up and who backs up who. I hope this helps some.
ReplyDeleteJennifer,
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned Keypals in your post. How do you envision using that in your pe class? I am interested to hear your thoughts.
Do you ever have students who pull away from working with a group? I am asking because this past winter I had a student who really resisted being involved in cooperative learning activities. At first I tried changing his groups. I even encouraged him to tell me which group he wanted to work with and still he resisted. I talked with his mother and she said he had a bad experience a couple of years earlier and just wanted to work alone. He completed the assignments on his own but I felt like he really needed the experience of working in a group. Do you have any suggestions if this happens again? Next year, if this happens again, I am better prepared to share the importance of working together with others, thanks to my Walden experience.
Terri
Terri: As for using Keypals in physical education, I think it would be neat for students to be able to communicate with other peers from different states even different counties and see what kind of activities and other items that students are doing during their physical education classes. Have you ever thought about having the student pick one or two people he would like to work with in a group. You could pull him aside and ask him if there is anyone he would want to work with, this may help him feel comfortable and more likely to work in group.
ReplyDelete