The cognitive learning theory focuses a lot on information processing that takes place in the brain. Dr. Michael Orey discusses how there are the three stages of processing which starts with receiving the information, then transferring to short term memory and eventually falling into the long-term memory. As a teacher, finding the best ways to present the information is going to benefit the students in the long run. While reading through this week’s resources about “cues, questions, and advanced organizers” I realized that there are better ways for me to approach teaching a new topic to my students. It is important for me to focus on what ways I can help my students better process information. For example, the advanced organizers like “Kidspiration” and “Inspiration”, mentioned in “Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works” (2007) can be used to introduce topics, brainstorm ideas and organize their thoughts. These kinds of programs offer students the chance to “focus on the essential concepts and themes that will prepare them to learn” (p. 76). They give all the main ideas and topics that will be covered in a short, easy to read and follow map. Using the graphic organizer digitally “allows learners to add and organized information as it is being introduced” (p.79). I like this idea because it gives them the chance to put ideas together and see how what they are learning about is all connected. The graphic organizer also serves as a visual aid for students to have in front of them instead of just hearing what is being taught, which a main focus of cognitive learning is verbal and visual learning.
When dealing with “note-taking” and “summarizing” and the cognitive learning theory it is important to keep what is being taught manageable for the learner. Students cannot process too many ideas at one time, so giving students “teacher-prepared notes” will help keep students on track and more organized with the topic as it is being taught. I often use PowerPoint when giving notes and I will give students a summary page at the beginning of the unit to go over what will be covered in the notes for the day. I leave space under each headliner where they can fill in information. However, I really like the idea of using “Inspiration” and making a template for each student to use while the notes are taking place. They can follow along while we are discussing and fill in the sections that are relevant to the topic. Incorporating this type of digital note-taking will keep students engaged and in my opinion interested because they will be using computers and graphic organizers in a fun way. They can be creative with their graphic organizer and make things like vocabulary words stand out by adding shapes and figures. The “Inspiration” and “Kidspiration” programs will give students a chance to learn in a creative and functional way.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). Cognitive Learning Theories. (Motion Picture)
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
I like that you mentioned students being able to see what they've learned. Imagine how advance organizers could revolutionize the conversation:
ReplyDelete(Parent) "What did you learn today?"
(Child) "Dunno"
(Parent-in disbelief) "What do you mean you don't know, you were at school right?"
(Child) "Yeah"
If students get into the habit of using advance organizers, they'll create a routine for learning which may enable better conversation about it after the fact and thus, better retention.
Yesterday preparing for my blog post I googled the word, "Organization". I selected images, and was floored by the nearly exclusive examples of organizers available. There were hardly any graphics, illustrations or clip art; just organizers. Like organization in student's brains, each organizer that google yielded was unique, demonstrating that advance organizers would most likely lead our students to a better understanding of how they learn. Once they knew how, they could hopefully go about the business of improving. It would also spark some neat conversations between kids because they may not have had the opportunity to think about the way in which they learn, the way in which others learn, and the steps that they could take to perfect learning.
While I was searching, I also came upon a resource called classtools.net where teachers can create advance organizer templates. My favorite was the fishbone which you can type in and save...it seemed like it would be great for younger kids (K-2). Teachers could work with students to create an advance organizer and them publish or save each.
http://classtools.net/education-games-php/fishbone/
Yes, the key is to find a way for our students to retain the information we distribute in the long run. I believe, as you do, that the only way this is manageable is to know our students and keep information presented in a manageable way. Note taking is a wonderful way of keeping students on task and filing information properly if it is structured correctly. The idea of teacher organized notes is one I know very well being a special education teacher. My students really enjoy and retain needed information more efficiently when the notes follow the lecture or power point and they only need to fill in the important aspects of the topic. Note taking may seem a little old school but when done correctly in the classroom it can still be effective.
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