I spent Wednesday afternoon with
Margie Genereux and her advanced applications adult education class. Students had already developed skills in Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Publisher, Paint, and a number of other applications. In this advanced class, they were collaboratively working on developing the groundwork for a Sports Bar/Recreation Facility, making use of the tools they had learned, sharing and helping one another in pushing those skills to a higher level using the project as a focus. The motivation, energy and enthusiasm that comes through working in real-world projects was obvious. Love it!
We will be publishing their work here when it is completed. It involves floor plans, brochures, award certificates, emergency information, buying spreadsheets, job applications, menus, schedules, daycare information, a website, etc.
Margie explained that the adult ed teachers at
SCAE (Sanford Community Adult Education) were involved in a
PLC that is focusing on a more constructivist approach in working with adult learners. She introduced me to
Best Practice: Standards for Teaching and Learning in America's Schools by Zemelman, Daniels and Hyde. The book is now on my must-buy list. It is about education in general, not just applying to adult education needs. I highly recommend it for groups involved in this kind of work.
Margie expertly introduced new possibilies to the class as the need occurred. Optional tools for those who could not afford Office:
StarOffice,
OpenOffice,
Google Apps.
I loved one of Margie's quotes regarding using instructivism alone: "It's like following someone to a wedding . . . you'll never be able to get there again!"
Related links:
ConstructivismInstructivismConstructivism vs InstructivismProject-based LearningInquiry LearningEssential QuestionsJim Moulton's Wiki on Project-based LearningEducational Games Research: Constructivism vs Instructivism
Need to find timely information about what is going on in Maine in hunting, fishing and more? Tom Remington of Bethel has over the years developed a rich network of sites relating to this Maine perspective. It is an excellent example of what new technologies allow even small-town people in Maine to create in terms of outstanding online communities and resources. A good starting point for Tom's work is Maine Outdoors Today. Note the wonderful outdoor photography and down-to-earth articles by Greenwood's Milt Inman.
Today we will:
