What we see, hear, smell, taste and feel are all the senses we
use to take in information and when people experience similar experiences we
say to ourselves that we have done this before. There are times where we
know instantly whether we did this before and it isn't until we are in the act
of a previous experience can we confidently say that definitely done it before.
On some occasions we even compare a new situation to a past one and
simple use the skills gained into the new situation. A cognitive learner,
which I would say is many of us, uses their senses to store into short term
memory and make connections to store into long term memory. Dr. Orey
discusses how a leaner could tie General Lee to the Civil War by making
connections to Lee jeans they like to wear or General Lee the nickname of the
iconic muscle car of The Dukes of Hazard (Laureate Education
Inc., 2014). Using prior knowledge to make connections can really help to
trigger new information being learned through reinforcement or practice.
Every individual learner will experience learning in different
ways and organized forms of information are important to learn efficiently.
In the observation of the 8th grade math class, where the students were
asked to use excel spreadsheets to analyze the results of their calculations
displayed a great example of creating a new applicable experience that uses
technology to help cognitive learners (Laureate Education Inc.,
2014). Students in the class were able to review their prior knowledge of
addition and subtract while applying it an excel spreadsheet to analyze the
results. The excel spreadsheet helped the students to focus mainly on the
statistics of their results rather than the computation of the numbers. The
activity is an effective way to have students review, learn through prior
knowledge and critical thinking to reach a higher level of learning. Students used an advanced organizer to learn and complete the task the teacher had structured around technology.
Using advanced organizers like google docs to take notes or
store information can help students to rehearse knowledge to store into their
long term memory (Pitler,
Hubbell & Kuhn, 2012). I have always felt that questioning is a
effective form of assessment that keeps students engaged while reinforcing the
information that is being given.
References:
Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and
Laureate Education (Producer). (2014). Cognitive learning theories [Video file].
Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Cognitive learning theory.
Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology.
Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using technology with classroom
instruction that works (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD
I agree that many of us are cognitive learners. I know that memories that are tied to my senses are much stronger than other memories. The smell of freshly baked pie, always reminds me of the pies my grandma used to bake when I was a kid. I have tried to remember students names by linking their name to something I already know. It helps some but when I have to learn over 200 names, it makes remembering them difficult at times. I have found that graphic organizers have worked well in science for many topics. For example, I use a Venn diagram for students to show what organelles are found only in plant cells, only in animal cells, or both. This visual representation has really help students remember what is found in each type of cell. How do you use cognitive learning theory in your classroom?
ReplyDeleteHey Kevin,
DeleteI also use Venn Diagrams to teach my students organized data when teach them set theory in mathematics. I first introduce the topic to them with objects and names of students in the class to compare and contrast the different sets.
Hi David,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your informative blog. The use of images and that interactive Concept map on statistics was an intriguing addition for the cognitivism theory we are bridging this week. It’s been so long since I’ve been in a math class, and I respect you for being able to teach it. In regard to technology, do you use it in similar ways of a concept map when you teach learners? I think the best way to learn math and functions is to do it with pencil and paper. I looked over some algebra apps for the iPad, and found the wolfram alpha one to be interesting, but I still had the problem of understanding it in concept. I actually require an exceptionally smart teacher to teach me the aspects of math. Since I am more of a visual learner, I really have to draw out where all the numbers are coming from. I had to take on a tutor when I finally hit my statistics class, and barely made it through. Where is your focal point for using technology in the classroom? Do you just rely on paper and pencil?
David
Hi Dave,
DeleteI think the pen and paper should always be used in the mathematics, students need to be writing, recording and analyzing the information being written down.
I love using wolfram alpha, the best way I can describe it is that it pulls anything mathematical there is to know about that thing from the internet and puts it in one place.
You can type your birthday in there and it will tell you everything there is to know about your birthday.
You can type in any equation and it will graph it for you and describe what it is for visual learners to see.
-David Yam
I agree that using advanced organizers are great tools that can enable students to store acquired knowledge into their long-term memories. I especially like online graphic organizers, such as the one you posted regarding “probability and statistics,” because they allow students to not only understand the relationship between concepts, but also interact with concepts and/or content. Discovery Education Streaming is a great source for accessing interactive graphic organizers that help students visualize information. When students are able to both read and visualize information, they are more likely to transfer their learning from their short to long-term memories. I plan on conducting an online search for graphic organizers that might facilitate my students’ learning in all subject areas.
ReplyDelete