The Information Processing Model, described by Dr. Michael Orey, is one of the main components of the Cognitive Learning Theory. As stated by Dr. Orey, information first goes into the short-term or working memory which has a limited capacity for storing information. If the information is rehearsed enough, it is then moved into the long-term memory as either a declarative, procedural, or episodic memory (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011). Dr. Orey describes the act of forgetting as not losing information, but losing the connection to the information in one's mind (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011). Teachers can strengthen the connections their students are making with the information which enhances their ability to understand and apply it, by implementing certain instructional strategies.
According to the text, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, the authors describe instructional strategies that support the Cognitive Learning Theory. Using cues, questions and advance organizers is one way teachers can promote learning. Cues and questions are effective ways of accessing students' prior knowledge (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007). Advance organizers are a way students can classify and structure new information (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007). Stronger connections can be made in the minds of students by using cues, questions, and advance organizers. The stronger the connection, the less the chance the student will forget the information.
Another instructional strategy described in the book, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, is summarizing and note taking. According to Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski (2007), using this strategy "focuses on enhancing students' ability to synthesize information and distill it into a concise new form" (p.119). By summarizing and taking notes about information, the students are rehearsing it which is necessary to move it into long-term memory.
Concept mapping and the use of virtual field trips are also valuable strategies for learning information. Both methods allow for the students' use of multiple senses. According to Dr. Orey, learning is improved when multiple senses are integrated (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011). As with the other strategies, stronger connections can be made when elaboration is used, improving the student's ability to use the information in a meaningful manner.
References
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program five: Cognitive learning theory [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1
Pitler H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Thomas,
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading your blog. It is always clear, and full of good information. The virtual field trips and concept mapping online are both new to me, and other teachers at my school. They sure are valuable tools for learning.
Janet,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the compliment. This week and next week in class cover a lot of what I have been implementing with the iPads this year. Even though Virtual Field Trips and WebQuests have been around for a while now I feel like they are becoming more popular with the teachers that have internet access in their rooms all the time. I know that for me, before the iPads came in my classroom, that I would rarely use these tools at my disposal. I see myself going back to all the old activities I had in my bag of tricks since the iPads. I have given new life to old WebQuest I have created by adding videos and podcast, and expanded my lessons to fit more activities like these in my lessons. The concept of teaching students 21st century skills and steering students towards becoming more self-directed learners is what WebQuests and Virtual Field Trips are all about. I have a new found love for them and I am glad that you are also seeing the potential they can bring to your students.