According to Dr. Orey, cognitive learning theories are based upon the idea that individuals receive information via their senses, store it in short-term memory, and then, with enough exposure, move it to long-term memory. Dr. Orey also talked about students being able to make connections better when provided with an image and text versus just text. This has several implications for teaching and learning. Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski talk about using summarizing and note taking as effective learning strategies. So, when providing students with notes, it is very helpful to also use images that relate to the notes. There are also several technologies that can help students with summarizing and note taking. Teachers can create a note template in Word for students to complete or various types of templates using programs like Inspiration or Kidspiration. This also leads into another strategy discussed by Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski, cues, questions, and advance organizers. By using probing questions, teachers can elicit deeper thinking from their students. The authors also make the point that teachers should not use elusive clues when prompting students. Again, teachers can use software to provide students with advance organizers to complete throughout a lesson. Using multimedia clips are an excellent advance organizer for students. This taps into the visual side of the cognitive theory to help students use dual coding to remember information.
The cognitive theory lends itself to using technology. The more students can see information organized and manipulate the information, the greater the chance the knowledge is moved into long-term memory.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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I agree that students need as much exposure as possible in order to move knowledge into their long-term memory. Using advanced organizers and visual representations of difficult concepts seem to help students have something to tie information to as well. What are some ways that you use technology to help students transfer knowledge into their long-term memory?
ReplyDeleteI think it is important for educators to realize that students are not retaining information and storing it in long-term memory because we are not providing them with information in a way that captures their attention or giving them enough time to learn the information.
ReplyDeleteWhen students are able to make connections to new information from prior knowledge, the connection is likely to help the new information go to long-term memory.
I do not do much note taking with second graders but when possible, I do like to provide students with visuals to help them picture the word in their heads. Does your school had Inspiration or Kidspiration? If so, is this something that is used frequently? I used Kidspiration for my concept map and enjoyed creating the map. This is something that children would enjoy working on and are gaining so much from it.
I agree that the cognitive theory lends itself to using technology. When information is presented in an organized way that allows student interaction, the better the chance for information to be stored in long-term memory.
Using visual images along with notes can be very effective. In the past, I have always included images and diagrams in my notes presentations for ninth graders. After listening to Orey (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009) talk about using effective images, I think that I can improve my use of images. For example, in photosynthesis notes, in addition to including a diagram of a chloroplast with the parts labeled, I should include an image that shows what the chloroplast does. For example, a cartoon image of a cholorplast sunbathing while filling a bucket with glucose. The image will help students remember the function of the choloroplast.
ReplyDeleteLaureate Education, Inc. (Exectutive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Jennifer:
ReplyDeleteI think perhaps the most important thing a teacher can do is ask those deeper meaning probing questions of students and get them to begin generating those questions themselves. Perhaps when they think about and answer those deeper meaning questions they are making connections in their brains of major concepts already stored. I think the cognitive learning theory is fascinating!
Amy,
ReplyDeleteWe do not have Inspiration or Kidspiration. I have never worked with those programs much, so it would be something new for me to learn. I have heard good things about them and think I might take the time to learn how to use them once I am done with graduate school. Right now I cannot put another thing on my plate. Have you used them much before this class?
Corinne,
ReplyDeleteI have started to add more diagrams, pictures, and video clips to my notes so students can connect the information with something visual. I added video clips to my social studies notes at the end of last year, and my students were much more engaged in the lessons. I am hoping that by adding a little each year I will eventually have a great set of notes.