Constructivist Principles

How can we apply constructivism to our classrooms?

• Give them options to write about that are meaningful to them.
• Read aloud—summarize to class—interpret meaning and why its interesting to them.
• Write/create simulations that put them in the situation while learning the concepts.
• Questioning why they come up with the solutions they do.
• Stations—read, application, research
• Changing the titles—facilitator—learners at one point my “facilitator” role may be changed to learner and the student to “facilitator.”
• Structuring learning around Primary Concepts-So what—why do I need to know?
• Posing problems of emerging relevant to students.
• Structure learning around primary concepts.
• Seeking and valuing students’ point of view.
• Adapting curriculum to address students’ suppositions.
• Assessing student learning in the context of teaching.

"Breaking the Silence" article

After reading the article, I identified with the white students—not that I wanted a group just to make a group. Not in that I wanted to wear a “white power” t-shirt just to show that I was proud of being white, but because I don’t feel I identify with being a part of a group in this country. For example, I don't celebrate President's Day, but our country does. Does that make it "my" day just because its a USA holiday? or because all of our President's are white? I think I would have been envious of the minority forming social group because I want to belong to a group and have rituals that I can identify with. But can you imagine if a "white" group formed on a campus? Maybe a "German" group or a "Russian" group. But my families have been here so long that I don't even know WHAT I am? So what does that make me? white trash group? I want to be proud of my roots, but I don’t really know what they are and don’t have the opportunity to celebrate them here.

I think to help students feel like they belong—they need to recognize what patterns and traditions/rituals are in their own family and then celebrate those—keep the traditions (that are good/healthy).

Also, its beneficial for teachers to expose the myths of ethnic groups—reveal the truths and develop a diversity based curriculum. Antiracist and diversity topics are crucial to include in curriculum while being supportive to students who are dealing with these issues.

Thoughts/Feelings Circle

What was one successful thing that happened this week? What feelings do you have about racism?What experience did you feel you were treated racist?

After this circle experience, it was easier for me to share with Cara because she was white. Not because I felt more comfortable talking to her, but more because I was afraid of offending anyone with anything I said. I felt my responses might be judged by Rashawn, Shirley and Francisco. Isn’t that racism? Am I racist? Or is it just because the questions became more difficult. I shared about my experiences with my kids I’m tutoring right now…and how I felt successful because I made them prewrite for an essay about goals besides wanting to have a family. The first word I thought of regarding racism was family.