The Poor Scholar's Soliloquy: Constructivism vs. Memorization

The Poor Scholar's Soliloquy

This piece was written in 1944. Is the situation the boy describes still typical of American education? Can you cite ways in which more constructivist approaches could benefit this child? 

To me, "The poor scholar’s soliloquy" is about a boy who must memorize his information. I can remember having to memorize the Gettysburg Address, the Presidents (in the same order they took office), the 50 states and their capitals, where each state belongs on a USA map, where each country is on the European map... the list is endless. I am very good at memorizing--but what am I learning? Sure, I can tell you that Grant was president after Johnson, but do I know anything about either man? Since I have started teaching, I have seen that the strategies and overall teaching philosophy has changed immensely. This boy would benefit from a constructivist approach because the information is not meaningful to him. As I continued my studies in college, I was glad that I could name the presidents of the USA because I once hoped to teach American history. This boy needs to be able to connect this information to something he can relate to--like trucks. Once this boy has a more meaningful learning experience, he will be able to actually use his knowledge, and not just rattle off names and dates! What good is knowledge if you can't use it? Constructivism also allows flexibility when demonstrating competence. This boy knows how to do things, he just cannot do his teacher's only means of assessment as well as his classmates.

Abusing Technology?

Some educators object to the use of tools such as test generators and worksheet generators, saying that they encourage teachers to use technology to maintain current methods, rather than using technology in more innovative ways. What case can you make for keeping software tools like these in classrooms?


The administration in my school hate the constant use of worksheets or computer made charts/diagrams, and believe that the students should be given blank sheets of paper and make their own charts, graphs, etc. I believe that tools are just that--tools that help the teacher. I know that I like to look at these worksheets to give me ideas on the kinds of questions I want to ask my students. Plus, there are so many great programs in schools available to teachers! I feel like making a "worksheet" is almost easier. Just in the past year I myself have become more innovative because of the tools available to me.


With that being said, I don't think these tools should be removed. Sometimes the teacher has a seemingly unending pile of assessments to look through, and may not have to time it takes to make a personalized sheet. Or, some students may need extra support, and the teacher can search for a sheet that hits on the exact area the student needs more understanding of.

Just like Julie said, these programs should not be overused. If they are, I can't argue with the administration when they say that teachers are not using technology in more innovative ways. Tools help out a plumber or a mechanic where his hands lack, and these software programs do the same for teachers.

Technology Integration: My Observations

1.      Does the school have a computer lab? If so, which grades use it and how often do they use it?

            There is one computer lab with 32 computers, and the library has 6 computers and 16 laptops. All grades use both the lab and the library once a week, and have access to laptop carts. There are 5 laptop carts with 10-16 laptops. Both the lab and the library are getting 30 iPads, and because of RESOA Grant money, the school will also have 75 more laptops and 30 iPod Touch by next September.

2.      Is there a computer teacher in the school? What kinds of projects does the computer teacher do with the students who come to the lab? Which software programs are used? Do you think that the projects done in the computer lab are related to the classroom curriculum? Why or why not?

            There is one computer teacher and one technology coach. All lab projects are related to the curriculum in the classroom. The teachers plan together and use the curriculum map that is uploaded on ARIS. The teachers must plan ahead according to what the students will be learning. In lab, the students will use iMovie, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Pixie (an early childhood drawing and typing program), and Imagine Learning for ELL students. In addition, students do some research online, and use BookFlix, Learn 360, and portportal.

3.      Are there computers in your classroom? What kinds of software programs are available on the classroom computer? How are the computers used?

            There are two computers in my classroom. One is hooked up to the smartboard, and the other is used by the students. The same programs that are used in the computer lab are installed on the computers in the classroom and are used by the teacher. In my classroom, my cooperating teacher likes to use the computer to show videos, make diagrams and charts, and look for pictures to add to any writing so that we can scaffold the ELLs.

4.      Based on your observations, describe your school's philosophy regarding technology integration. Does your cooperating teacher share the administration's views on technology integration? Explain.

            The administration wants all technology to be updated in the building. This is why every class will have an updated Mac desktop, and why every teacher will be receiving an iPad. The administration wants technology to be used by both the teacher and the students, and I have seen this first hand in my classroom. The presence of the smartboard helps tremendously. Come 2014, all schools will need technology because testing will be online.

5.      Define Technology Integration in your own words.

            Technology has enabled many teachers to take learning to a whole new level. Teachers must be open to using technology, though. As Smartboards replace chalk boards, long time teachers have to get used to all of the opportunities the smartboard has to offer. Sometimes, the hardest part is not using what you already know, but learning how to effectively use the tools at hand. In short, teachers need to be able to use media and technology in addition to their teaching. There is a wealth of information on the internet. If a teacher is teaching about the Revolutionary War, there is an infinite amount of resources available in addition to books.

Some Wonderful Programs to Use (to be continued...)

Over the course of this semester, I will be taking a class that will help me integrate technology into the classroom, and I will then pass that information along!

Kidspriation: I loved this tool, as it is a wonderful way for students to create a plethora of "Thinking Maps"--most importantly, the bubble map and the double bubble map. I made a map all about American History

Microsoft Word Templates--a Brochure: There are so many templates available in Word, and I was able to familiarize myself with making a brochure. As we prepare for second grade, getting to know how to make a brochure is a wonderful head start, as your child will be making a brochure all about NY. I made a brochure about Florida, one of my favorite places to visit.

Weekly Quotes to Live by...

Earlier this month, I came across an article in one of my education classes, and was posed with this question: In his New York Times blog post, “Ending the Curse of Cursive,” John Tierney quoted Vanderbilt professor Steve Graham: “If every young child had a computer to write on, and the keyboards were built for young children, and we provided instruction to help them type fluently, then the need for handwriting would be questionable.” Do you agree with Dr. Graham that we should eschew teaching cursive writing in favor of focusing on word processing instruction? What would be the impact of this decision on elementary children and curriculum?

I believe that as a society, we are too dependent on technology. I have had my fair share of lost essays because a computer malfunctioned, and there is no way to get my work back. With that being said, I cannot see how the need for handwriting is questionable. While we can always count on computers to ensure accuracy and appearance, computers cannot teach young children the fine motor skills they need to develop.

My handwriting is important to me--it is unique to me, and it is not perfect. I love that I can look back at the work I did in elementary school and see how it has improved. Your handwriting can tell a lot about you--we all know what "teacher" handwriting is! It is so easy to quickly jot something down. What happens to the kids who only know how to communicate with a computer? How will they jot information down on the fly? How will they remember someone's phone number if they have no way to type it into a phone or computer?

One of my peers made a great point--Hurricane Sandy devastated many parts of NYC. What would happen to those students who lost power for weeks at a time? How would they learn? How would they do work?

Finally, a computer's spell check is a wonderful tool. But for a student who is just learning letter sounds, spell check is inhibiting them from learning. Revision is a big part of the writing process, and a computer essentially does the work for a student. Once a little red line pops up beneath a word, hey know it is spelled incorrectly. If a student finishes a story and does not see red or green lines, they will believe they are finished. Will students really re-read their work if they believe it to be perfect?

Computers are wonderful and have helped to advance society. But to do away with teaching children how to write is so asinine I cannot believe someone suggested it!


What do you think about technology's role in education today? Exactly how important is a child's handwriting? Will computers ever fully replace our need for handwriting--or maybe just cursive handwriting?

Food for Thought...

Schools across the city are celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday this week. Tomorrow (March 7, 2013), 1-217 will be having our annual pajama day party and will begin to study Dr. Seuss in preparation for our poetry writing unit.

Visit The Life of Dr Seuss on brainpopjr.com, and discuss some of his works. If your child is not familiar with Dr. Seuss, you can also choose to read one of his many books aloud to your child. One of my favorites has always been The Lorax.