This week, I reviewed the cognitivist learning theory.
Cognitivists view “learning as a mental operation that takes place when
information enters through the senses, undergoes mental manipulation, is
stored, and is finally used” (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2008, p. 16). The goal
is to find methods of teaching that help that information to be stored in
long-term memory rather than short-term memory. Teaching that targets multiple
senses and learning styles, elaborates on concepts, and allows for dual
processing is successful in meeting this goal. There are numerous strategies
that fall under these categories. While studying the cognitivist theory, I came
across many technology based cognitivist activities chapters 4 and 7 in the book Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works by Pitler, Hubbell and Kuhn (2012) that would be very
beneficial for improving students’ ability to process, store, and recall
information.
One basic method of utilizing technology to improve information
storage and recall as described in chapter 4 is to use programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel,
Inspiration, RapidFire, PowerPoint, or Wordle to create visual aides and
graphic organizers. These programs are very versatile and offer a variety of
methods for improving student learning. They all allow for elaboration and dual
processing of information. The basic premise of the dual processing hypothesis is
that people can remember images easier than text or oral word (Laureate
Education, Inc., 2010). All of these programs allow for pictures and graphic
organizers to be used to help students store information into long-term memory.
Another great method of utilizing technology to enhance learning is to use
media to introduce topics. This again ties into the idea that images, which
includes videos, along with oral language and text will elaborate concepts and
allow for deeper learning. Chapter 7 demonstrates how instructional interactives can also be incorporated
with much success. There are numerous apps and programs that provide students
with an interactive experience to learn concepts. For example, while studying
astronomy, teachers could use the Star Char app to get an “accurate picture of
the planets, stars, nebulas, and constellations” (Pitler, Hubbell & Kuhn,
2012, p. 103). A final technology based cognitivist tool that I came across in chapter 7 is
the use of wikis and blogs. There are many possibilities for elaboration and
the use of visual aides with both of these tools.
It is amazing how many technology based programs and
activities are available for teachers to utilize in their classrooms that can
have a huge impact on students’ abilities to process, store and recall
information. Knowing the numerous possibilities is exciting because we as
teachers have such a great opportunity to deepen our students’ learning.
Resources
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). Cognitive learning theory [Video
webcast]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_2819318_1%26url%3D
Lever-Duffy,
J., & McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical foundations (Laureate
Education, Inc., custom ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
Pitler, H., Hubbell,
E. R., & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using technology with classroom instruction
that works (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Great job on your blog post. You are so right that there is a wide variety of resources available to teachers to make the learning environment better. Unfortunately, there are a large number of teachers who don't know where what to look for, or are not willing to find the resources and/or make the necessary changes within their lesson plans. Other teachers are simply not trained and/or don't have the technology available to them. I think it extremely important that we generate a team or teams of instructors who can go out and expose teachers to the wealth of information available to them, and train them how to use the resources. .
ReplyDeleteVernell,
DeleteYour idea of creating teams of teachers to expose other teachers to the numerous tools available to enhance learning is excellent. I have worked at three different schools, and it always seems that there are a few teachers who are taking advantage of available resources at each school, but the majority of teachers tend to stay in their comfort zone and limit the incorporation of new teaching strategies. It would be great to have teachers work with those who are hesitant to change because we understand the difficulties that come with change. We would be able to ease fears and explain things in general language to make it as easy and understandable as possible.