Kristen Orton
Grand Canyon University: EED 470
January 7, 2015

Constructivism and explicit teaching styles almost appear to be opposites of one another, especially when used in the contexts of the classroom. The more I read about these two styles the more I thought that if a teacher could use both styles in a harmonious balance the students would have the greatest benefit. Not many students want to sit and listen to the droning lecture of a teacher. Memorizing facts, reading chapter after chapter with no connection to how it will be used outside of school. This old fashion way of teaching typically does not assist students in retaining information. Nor does this help with motivating students to continue reading. I also believe
I remember curling up on my Oma’s swing reading, The Secret Garden. In school the only hesitation I have ever experienced in reading involved public speaking due to high anxiety. My own children have the same love for reading that I have. I have often had to use reading as punishments because I cannot get them to put a good book down to complete other housework. My children have often been in trouble in class for sticking a chapter book inside of a textbook and sneaking the book in class. Last year I worked in first/second grade classroom with thirty-three students. I was a paraprofessional working under a twenty-year veteran, who was amazing. This teacher was the perfect balance of constructivist and explicit teaching styles. We had reading groups setup that allowed us control over what the students was reading ensures the appropriate level. The reading groups also allowed us to listen to every student each day in class. The students would work on comprehension, vocabulary, phonics retell it was fantastic. She was also very big on centers the students would be able to make independent choices on what activity they choose to do during the block. The games reinforced the intended outcome. The most important part was that the students were always reading. They read the math direction to the teacher. They researched information for small group projects including weather, human body,