9-16-10

__**9/16/2010**__

Today in Class We:
 * Brief Overview:**
 * Went over some key points from our blog entries
 * Discussed further examples of Objectivism/Constructivism learning in our debate groups from last class
 * Grouped together with a person from the opposite side to go over learning tool examples and determine whether said example was from an Objectivist or Constructivist viewpoint


 * Long, Detailed Rant:**

Today's lesson primarily revolved around some review of the objectivist and constructivist concepts. However, we started out the class with some discussion regarding our blog entries from earlier in the week. There was some discussion about how class size affects learning environment, specifically in regard to how smaller classes make it a more comfortable learning environment in which teachers and students can get to know each other better, and the teacher can devote more time to helping students individually. Though many agreed that this would be a definite improvement in our schools, it was noted that it would also be extremely difficult and near impossible to replicate.

There was also a slight discussion about motivation, and how one factor of a student's motivation to learn would be a fun, engaging teacher, as well as interesting subject matter. Once again, such solutions aren't always easy to come by. Another point mentioned in the blog discussion was that of including popular websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube as learning tools for classes. It was argued that though the technology may make it convenient and more interesting, it is still essentially the same content that can be learned without the technological aspect of it.

After reviewing the blogs, the class split up into their objectivist and constructivist groups, and discussed further examples of learning that could be done in the objectivist or constructivist standpoint. One key point that was made focused on classroom environment (objectivist) vs. real world environment (constructivist), specifically comparing studying apples, and how learning would differ when studying in an apple orchard, in comparison to a science lab. It was argued that you could learn more in the orchard, for you could feel the full experience of the environment, as well as learn about extra things that are made from apples, while the objectivists argued that the same things can be learned in the laboratory environment. Both sides provided good points.

The class then turned their attention to a story about a fish and a frog, which was, though charming in it's apparent simplicity, actually brimming with the themes of Objectivism and Constructivism.

We then paired up with a member of the opposite side, and went over the Learning Theory Examples, working together to come to a conclusion about whether the examples were based on the properties of Objectivism or Constructivism.

After our pair discussions, the class came together and discussed their results. Most of the examples seemed to be a unanimous decision for which side they belonged to, though there was some mixed views in regard to the V Frog example. By the end of the class period, things were much more clarified about the two opposing sides, and much opinion had been shared about the advantages and shortcomings of both Objectivism, and Constructivism.

Posted by Monique Velishek. (: