Throughout this week resource readings, I came across many familiar instructional strategies that correlated directly with the cognitive learning theory described by Dr. Orey. The instructional learning strategies involved summarizing and note taking as well as the way in which it helps our students make better concept connections using cues, questions, and advanced organizers.
If you use any of the great instructional strategies like concept mapping or summarizing using a word processing software take notice that they all utilize components which define the cognitive learning theory. Thus, information processing and visual/auditory senses to organize information and transfer from short to long term memory. An example of this is the use of KWL charts by cueing previous experiences or knowledge from the student for the Know section of the chart. Next, with questions you ask the students what they want to learn and finally what the learned. Using the appropriate questions related to the subject, students can reflect and organize from their ideas making stronger connection between prior, current, and acquired information to make permanent.
Another example of the correlation between cognitive learning theory and the instructional strategies is the use of virtual field trips. The virtual field trips give the students a different perspective of a location usually described only in text. Visually students are able to explore the environment and discover new information using web resource pages on a particular subject like history. Text by itself does not compare with images which are a powerful tool for students (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007).
What are your thoughts?
Please comment below.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). Program Number One: Cognative Learning Theory [Webcast]. Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Hi John.
ReplyDeleteI like how you asked readers to stop and think about how tools like graphic organizers and word processors require the use of multiple sense; and, furthermore, that the use of multiple senses is a big part of helping information be stored in the long term memory (not to mention, a big part of the cognitive learning theory). I think you did a great job of summarizing the topics we learned about this week. I don't know about you, but, before learning from this week’s resources, I had not really considered the fact that note taking methods (like using Microsoft Word or KWL charts) and concepts maps were so closely tied to cognitive learning theories.
Great Post. Thanks for sharing.
Tonya Todd
Hi John,
ReplyDeleteVirtual field trips offer students so much more than the tradition book study. Whether in the classroom, or simply an at home assignment virtual field trips give teachers the unique way to teach and learn about the outside world. An enrichment for advanced students would be to create a virtual field trip! Students can take cameras along when the class goes on a field trip. Take plenty of photos, then upload them to the computer and add them to the class or school Web site. Thanks for sharing!
Hi John,
ReplyDeleteVirtual field are definitely one way to have students interested and retain information. Field trips are one thing that students remember long after they have graduated. Unfortunately, with all the budget cuts in education real field trips are no longer common place. Lucky for us we can now take the students on these virtual field trips. As they sit in our classrooms and visit these different places,and investigate different processes, we can also make sure that they are taking notes (another great cognitive strategy) so that vital information is not forgotten.
Great job of summarizing this week's resources.
Nadia Jacobs
John,
ReplyDeleteI would love to hear more details about turning a spread sheet interactive. How do I connect the spread sheet and wiki Calc?