WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2009
Cognitivism in Practice
The two strategies I chose that correlate with the principles found in the cognitive learning theory are the use of organizing and mapping tools software and multimedia tools. Examples such as Concept Mapping and the Virtual Field Trip tools assist students in developing instruction that integrate a multi sensory approach in learning. These particular strategies allow students to acquire, create, and digest a variety of information through technological resources.
Graphic organizers and concept mapping skills are effective strategies in having students construct visual representations of important concepts learned (Orey, 2001). The construction of these concept maps assist students in organizing information and linking it with visual aids, which supports Paivio’s Dual Coding of Information (Orey, 2009). This is one reason why strategies such as this relate to the ideas behind the Cognitive Learning Theory. Professionally, I have used this skill often to assist students in learning and applying concepts. The benefits I found are very positive due to the fact that they are able to create organize their own ideas. When they are completed with this process programs such as Inspiration also provide them with an outline format of their picture web (Orey, 2009). This feature is especially helpful for them when organizing and completing writing tasks. Unfortunately most teachers are not familiar with this program so it is not utilized to it potential. There are also many ways teachers can implement this tool in their instruction. For instance, as Figure 4.1 in our textbook (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, p.78), this same tool can be used to develop a visual tool in activating a discussion about what students know before starting a particular topic.
Another powerful strategy which is an effective cognitive is the use of PowerPoint Presentations. It has been suggested that these multimedia tools are extremely helpful in having students retain content more than other techniques (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, p.78). Personally, I have used this tool to create Jeopardy Boards for test or quiz reviews or to present notes with video clips. These strategies increase student performance and overall engagement when participating in activities. Furthermore, when students are able to construct their own presentations they become exposed to many forms of communication where they are able to organize and construct information in a variety of ways.
These strategies allow students to explore learning in a way where they are able to use problem-solving skills, create, and connect new material during the learning process. Technology tools such as concept mapping and multimedia program allow students to activate the necessary network model of memory activating a multi sensory approach giving students the ability to make appropriate connections (Orey, 2009). I believe this is a more constructive approach than the behaviorist approach in promoting positive learning.
Orey, M. (2009, March). Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. “Cognitive Learning Theories”. (Laureate, CD-ROM, 2009 release).
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Lynda,
ReplyDeleteI love cognitivism because it is the way I learn best. I am constantly trying to make connections to new information from old information. Using PowerPoints will help our students take information and present it to an audience. This is a great form of learning because it is doing and students will remember a project like this...and its information.
Winner
Rob,
ReplyDeleteI also agree with the ideas cognitivism offers. It values the importance of prior experiences in order to form new ideas and I believe that is essential for learning. After all, how can we build upon our knowledge and make connections if we have nothing to associate incoming information with? Furthermore, what is also appealing about this theory is cognitive tools such as the computer are used to enhance learning. They allow our students to visualize, exercise, and access a variety of skills reinforcing the storing of information in our episodic and long-term memory. In fact in our readings Dr. Orey had mentioned how students are approached with projects allowing them to design and produce projects such as PowerPoints because they ultimately perform at their highest potential. Students can relate to this concept because they learn better when they able to absorb, create, and connect information simultaneously in this way. Furthermore, like you stated, which is a key factor in this learning theory this type of activity will be something that they remember and carry over and connect to when confronted with new information in the future. Would you agree?
Lynda
Hi Lynda,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your detailed sharing in cognitive learning theory and technology. I enjoyed reading it and totally agree with your thoughts.
I myself also prefer cognitive learning theory and tools. As our best ancient Chinese educator Confucius put it, the best way to understand something is to experience it. That is to involve our students in the learning process. This aligns well with what Dr. Wolfe said about brain research, that our brain learns its best through experience.
The concept mapping is a visual tool that visualize all the information and data and lay out in front of our eyes. This is the best way to organize our thoughts which could be coming in in any direction and in any order. This tool can also help students to build relationship between different sub-concept within a concept. It further enhances their understanding of the subject and at the same being able to activate their prior knowledge with the knowledge they've learned in front of their eyes. They can then compare and contrast, cross reference, etc. All these enhance and consolidate their learning and understanding of the subject.
Thank you for your sharing.
Sarah
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your response. One of the best features in this model is that it allows the student to experience learning by incorporating a multi sensory approach. This model also uses the computer as a tool for teaching not as a substitute for teaching as the tutorials in the behaviorist theory do.
As we all have come to know, all of our students learn differently. Many of these students also display strengths in one area than in other areas as well. I believe the reason why this cognitive method is so effective because since it recognizes a multi-sensory approach it gives student more opportunities to make connections with the particular topics being addressed.
I also agree that hands on experiences are one of the most effective ways to immerse students in a positive learning situation. As it has been so clearly addressed in many of our resources, students need to absorb, connect, and create to learn. PowerPoints therefore are valuable tools for students to create because they allow them to learn through using a variety of skills while connecting information. Most importantly these associations of material are unique to the creator but when sharing this information can assist others in making additional connections.
Thanks again for your insight.
Lynda
Hi Lynda,
ReplyDeleteYou are right in saying that the 'associations of material are unique to the creator', this is very true. We are our own author if we were to create or produce anything. If we get our students to create a PowerPoint, basically it's a way for us to peek into their mind and see how their thoughts are lay out and how they actually understand the subject. As you also put it that different students do learn differently and getting them to create something indeed celebrate this differences and thus learning will be appreciated and more effective.
Thanks for sharing!
Sarah