Monday, January 18, 2010

Cognitivism in Practice

Dr. Michael Orey talked about the information processing model and how it relates to the cognitive learning theory. He also talked about different instructional strategies that are effective in order to store information into our long term memory and ways to make it easier to recall that information. The on going theme throughout this class so far seems to be differentiated instruction, but the key is to make that instruction matter by connecting it to something either previously learned or something they can relate to. For example do not just use pictures make sure that there is an informational connection to the picture in order for students to grasp the concept being taught. The strategies I learned this week correlate to the cognitive learning theory due to the fact that they are able to reach a variety of senses because the information is presented in various ways. My theory is that the more ways you present information the greater chance you have of a child grasping the concept.

Dr. Michael Orey talked about the concept mapping tool and how it helps to organize your mind by using a visual representation. He also talks about how it replicates the network model of memory. After playing around with the interactive websites and concept mapping it makes me think about all the different ways it could be used in the classroom and how exciting this new adventure/tool is going to be. Let the adventure begin!

Resources

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.

4 comments:

  1. I agree the more senses we can hit the better.The interactive concept mapping we learned about this week is such a cool way to present a lot of information is a way that makes so much sense! Guess it's all about making connections.

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  2. Sandy,

    How do you plan on using these new technlogies in your classroom?

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  3. Lynn-

    I have thought about using the concept mapping for assignments relating to the novels that we read. They can use it to organize their thoughts before they begin a writing assignment. As for the virtual field trip I found this to be a great activity for my science class. I plan on using it when I teach them about cells because it allows for great visuals along with provides them with the information they need to learn.

    How do you plan on using these new technologies in your classroom?

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  4. Sandy,

    I want to use a TANDBERG video camera to connect to the Kentucky School for the Deaf so my sstudents can communicate with students their own age and applying what they are learning in the class. This would be our field trip. I have also found a website that I could incorporate into a lesson I made with the conept map.

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