“The essence of Learning by Design lies in the experience of the learner as a designer and creator of an external, shareable artifact” (Han & Bhattacharya, 2000). Dr. Orey talks about building something with the constructionist point of view. When we use this theory we are asking the students to create something that we can see, share, and apply to the real world. Learning by Design fits the criteria of the constructionist theory. The following are the components most readily identified in a LBD environment:
-Authenticity: tasks based on real-world applications
-Multiple contexts for design activities
-A balance of constrained, scaffolded challenges with open-ended design tasks
-Rich, varied feedback for designers
-Discussion and collaboration
-Experimentation and exploration
-Reflection
(Han & Bhattacharya, 2000)
With my students I want them to have a good understanding of what they want to do and accomplish at the end of this process. At the end I want them to create something that they can share with their classmates, and soemthing that they will take ownership of. As the teacher I will have to at least guide them to their end product, but I cannot just let the learner go off on their own.
Han and Bhattacharya (2000) suggests some strategies that will allow for this process to be learner centered and allows for building of knowledge.
1. Clear expectations from day one.
2. Inform participants of implicit and explicit objectives and how they will be evaluated.
3. Learner should be the active builder of knowledge.
4. Instructor should take on the role of a facilitator, motivator
5. Tasks given should allow learners to design and construct an artifact that can be
shared.
6. Provide rich and varied feedback for the designers/learners
(Han & Bhattacharya, 2000)
Following these guidelines, in my opinion, is a great start to creating engaging, meaningful, and memorable learning experiences.
References
Han, S., and Bhattacharya, K. (2001). Constructionism, Learning by Design, and Project Based Learning. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging
perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Constructionist and Constructivist Learning Theories. Baltimore: Dr. Michael Orey.
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You really have a great understanding of this theory. What are some of your favorite lessons that exemplify this theory? I am always looking for great ideas to use in my own classroom.
ReplyDeleteStudents are able to remember the artifacts that they make long after the lecture or lesson that taught the concept. We make topsy turvy dolls during our Antebellum Period in history. The dolls are a combination of a slave doll and slave owner. They have to create a story for each demonstrating different viewpoints. My former students still talk to me about this project.
ReplyDeleteMaking it very clear and precise for the students really help them to be successful. I think the clear expectations from day one is the most important.
ReplyDeleteIf I remember anything from school it is the artifacts that I either created on my own or in a group. The teacher was the facilitator and the project was student centered. I think that it was the creation of these artifacts that not only kept me actively engaged but also gave me long-term vivid recall of the information!
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