A Very Important Decision

When I first was learning to be a teacher, I raised a skeptical eyebrow about certain aspects of constructivism. Constructivism is the learning theory that says that learning is most powerful when students construct their own understanding of a topic through experiences instead of just being told what they need to learn. It is a cornerstone of progressive education. "That's all nice," I argued at the time, "But how do you 'construct' an understanding of, say, Jupiter through experience? It just doesn't work for all topics." (That's a quotation from my teaching journal at the time.)

If, through some strange metaphysical head trip, I had been able to travel forward in time and observe the Herons today, all of my doubts would have disappeared.

Jen and Elizabeth (our teaching assistants) graciously agreed to play "Pluto" and "Euclid," two real estate agents from Ancient Greece. When I asked the Herons yesterday whether they wanted to live in Sparta or Athens during our unit many said they needed more information. That "needed" is key — they were hungry for information that would help them make the right decision for the persona they are going to be taking on during our unit (more on this later.)

Jen got up first and made a pitch to the ladies in the house. "In Sparta, women are free to move around the town. They even get educated…unlike in Athens where you are not allowed to leave the house." Hands shot up and Jen spent the next half hour fielding questions about Sparta and the life of its citizens. More freedom for women, good. Adequate food for all, good. Education for all, good (even if it is military.) Constant war and manditory military service until age 60? Not so good.

Elizabeth presented the wonders of Athenian life next and the questions got harder. "How much does food cost? Will I have enough to eat?" "So you're saying I can't divorce my husband unless I can convince someone and hire them to ask for the divorce for me?" "What kind of things do you learn in school?" "Is there much crime?"

When I finally had to end the conversation, desperate hands were still waving. Students then went into writers' workshop where they could write a note to me requesting a city state in which to live or they could leave the choice up to the gods. Many wrote me notes in greek letters — several were addressed to "Michelle, Goddess of Wisdom" which I found pretty persuasive.

It's this kind of energy that is the goal in progressive education. When students feel there is a use for what they are learning they eagerly seek out knowledge. Their questions are deeper and their understanding greater. Role play, especially for social studies themes, is an unparalleled tool for creating this kind of learning.

One response to “A Very Important Decision”

Maryfaith Fox

October 25, 2010

Your comment about the use of role play in social studies prompts this recollection. It must have been 7th grade when our class, under the guidance of a very good teacher, held a Constitutional Convention. We were assigned the roles of Jefferson, Hamilton, Henry et al and had to study their positions and then engage in an unscripted reenactment of the arguments that formed the U.S. Constitution. Last week, with 3 of my classmates, I visited the homes of Jefferson and Madison. The conversation turned, inevitably, to that role play which made an indelible impression on us. We know, from experience, what it took to hammer out those compromises.
The class was more than 50 years ago. The lessons, and our respect for the Founders, remain.
Keep up the good work. As a Herons grandparent, I love reading the blog.

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