Embedding Media Activity

I will try to teach learners how to calculate and compare the units costs of various sizes and/or brands of a product using three theories of learning. I will use the behavioral learning theory, the constructivism, and the situated learning theory.

Behavioral Theory

According to Reiser and Dempsey the behavior is observed both before and after and intervention such as instruction has been implemented and the observed changes in performance are related to what occurred during the intervention (pag. 36). To teach learners how to calculate and compare the unit costs of sizes and manufacturer brands of a particular product, I would first ask students what they know about it in order to have that information before the intervention and compare it with what they know after the intervention. Then I would use their own example to further explain calculation and comparison.  I would divide the class in small groups for they search on the web about the product. Groups can use Microsoft Excel or other application. After they are done with their research, they will share and explain their findings with the class.

Constructivism

In the constructivist approach, learning is more a matter of going from the inside out. The learner actively imposes organization and meaning on the surrounding environment and constructs knowledge in the process (Reiser and Dempsey, p.40). The learning environment should engage learners, provide collaboration and opportunity, setting learners’ own goals, and encourage reflection (pag 41). The leaner constructs new knowledge from what s/he knows. I would allow students to work with any product depending on their likes. It could be from a supermarket product to technology product because the more they know about it, the easier it will be for them to understand the mathematical processes (calculate and compare).

Situated Learning Theory

Reiser and Dempsey say that learning from a situated perspective occurs through the learner’s participation in the practices of a community, practices that are mutually constituted by the members of the community (pag.38). Since this approach is a social and cultural, I would ask students to identify any stores or salespersons in the community and compare the prices of a particular product. Then they will share their findings with the class using, prezi, power point, or a chart. The idea is that can understand calculation and comparison with what they see every day in the community.