I completely agree with the first sentence in chapter 11 of our text which states that generating and testing hypotheses are often connected to science class. Other examples given expand the concept to include using spreadsheets for a math or accounting class, and a strategy game for history class. These ideas are great if one happens to be a science, math or history teacher. So what about foreign languages? I am completely failing to see how I could integrate generating and testing hypotheses together with technology into my classroom. Maybe I could come up with something if I contemplate the topic for another few weeks. I visited the other project-based learning resource sites listed and still failed to find an idea I thought might be incorporated into my own classroom.
The compound interest spread sheet, the acid rain experiment and the history strategy game are all examples of constructivist learning because the students are constructing meaning through experience and not creating an artifact. The spreadsheets were pre-formatted; the students did not actually create them. Nor do the students actually create the acidic water or the strategy game.
In searching the pbl-online site for project ideas for foreign language class, the only search result was for debates. I suppose that might work if the debate was conducted in English about a historical or contemporary political topic. I participated in debates using the second language in a 300 level course at the university and found the experience challenging. Debates are another example of constructivist learning; constructing meaning through experience.
One example given by Dr.Orey in this week's video that is highly flexible and adaptable to almost any subject area is a Power Point presentation. I would consider creating a presentation with Power Point to be an example of both constructivist and constructionist learning theory. The students are constructing meaning through the creation, presentation of their own, and viewing of others' projects. The students have also created a digital artifact which they can share with peers or with a larger audience outside the classroom.
5 comments:
Hello Tracy, great post! I can sense your frustration. Maybe you could generate a survey and use those results like they're using in the Math and science classes. I know I conducted an experiment on how technology affects ethnocentrism. I had the students take a survey and I tested those results during data analysis. I can send you a copy if you like. Good luck!!
Craig
Hi Tracy
How about a virtual field trip to a place where they speak Spanish? This could be a product that they present. You could make some of it in Spanish and some in English. Maybe they could do a voicethread or just a concept map with links to sites or images. You could even do the hypothesis testing - which Spanish-speaking place would be the most interesting to visit? And then have a vote on each group's vitual field trip?
What do you think?
Lisa
Hi Craig, I would be interested in seeing your survey. One challenge I have in teaching foreign language in this area is that there is a serious lack of ethnic diversity here. Ethnocentrism is definately an issue. I would welcome any ideas you have on persenting this topic to students.
And Lisa, I like the virtual field trip idea. This ties in to the comment I just left on your blog; they need to be extremely focused. I could have the students create a presentation of their dream vacation to a spanish speaking country. Interesting lesson in geography and some culture, but the use of Spanish language might be a stretch. Unless I planned far in advance and got them started on some of the necessary grammar structures. Then there is still the issue with them using Google translate. I wonder if I could get that site blocked as inappropriate content?
Anyway, back to the hypotheses. You suggest voting to test the hypothesis. I suppose that might work, but then I worry about social order issues that run rampant here in Jr high interfering with fair play.
Hi Tracy, I think we see "generate a hypothesis" and think that we have to have a lab set up but really the scientific method is all around us. It is simply seeing a question and posing a way to come up with the answer or solution. A colleague of mine has her students do a scavenger hunt in the school using clues all written in Spanish. She sends them to various spots in the school where she has taped the next set of directions. Each team has a different color so they are not at the same place at the same time. Ultimately they must find paw prints of their color that she has left with several cooperative teachers around the school. We are instructed to give the paw print to the students only if they ask in Spanish. She tells us ahead of time for those who do not know any Spanish but the phrases are simple and the colors basic. This is problem solving as they have to find the best route to the next place.
Another activity she does with them is to have suitcase races where they have to read what items to put on. Students cooperate in teams. She does other variations where students have to dress each other or pack a backpack. The clothing items are always outlandish, over the top and horribly out of style but the kids love it. The emphasis is on knowing the vocabulary in the correct context but they are laughing and hollering so much that they don't even realize that they are learning. She does a lot with foods and culture and also has the kids make videos, public service announcements and stories all in Spanish.
Diane
Hey TracyLyn,
A hypothesis is "A supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation." (I looked that up). Like you, I had problems connecting the "H" word to my class (PE). Until I found some synonyms for it; theorize, suggest, suppose, guess and assume. I use at least one of these words everyday in my lessons. The more I thought about it the more I realized that I ask my students to hypothesize and then discover much more then I thought! I'm hoping that this sheds some light for you.
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