Middle school students welcome Dr. Pitonza

Welcome Dr. Pitonza! He looks like middle school technology teacher Greg Pitonza; he even sounds like him. In fact, he is Mr. Pitonza—but now, he is a doctor!

Technology teacher Greg Pitonza recently received his Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Union Institute and University. Pitonza's doctoral thesis was entitled "Look Ma No Hands - The Experience of the Need for Hands-on Expression."

His research focused on what he calls the "Expressive Design Process or giving people opportunities to express themselves."  As a technology teacher, Pitonza recognizes that the act of doing is a necessary part of learning. He agrees that reading and listening are important, but stresses that hands-on experience is critical for intellectual and developmental growth.

"Hands-on expression is a means of relating abstract concepts (things we learn) to concrete experience (things we can truly understand)," he explained. "In the classroom, my research gives me a better feel for students' different learning needs. I think I have greater sensitivity because it reinforces the idea that children have different strengths and weaknesses."

As he researched, he discovered that the term "hands-on" was most often associated with computers. Children were given hands-on experience at the keyboard. Pitonza sought an understanding of activities that require more than "moving your fingers". He conducted interviews and analyzed the results. Everything he learned confirmed his original belief—most people benefit from experiencing things for themselves.

Not only are hands-on activities great learning tools, they are therapeutic as well. He noted that many people use their hands in woodworking, home renovations or crafts to relieve stress.

As the world moves faster and faster into the computer age, Pitonza believes the need hands-on experiences are greater than ever. His technology class is a prime example of hands-on learning. Students make toys, rockets, CO2 propelled cars and participate in the annual Recyclable Regatta.

Not only do students learn concepts and techniques, they enjoy a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment when they hold their finished projects in their hands. For the "new" Dr. Pitonza, helping students find that joy in learning is what his research was all about.