By James Matthews
As the cognitive learning theories relate learning to the way we think and receive information, our text offers strategies that focus “on enhancing students’ ability to retrieve, use, and organize information about a topic” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, p. 73). Part of the basis of these theories revolves around how our senses, experiences, and beliefs may affect how we accept, synthesized, and recall information.
The cues, questions, and advance organizers strategies in the book suggests various technology tools to create well-organized organizers that will help the cognitive learner approach the essential questions of content (Pitler et al., 2007, p. 74). For example, word processing and spreadsheet programs offer the ability to create advanced organizers for note-taking and well-developed rubrics. As lecture notes and discussion happen in class, students can update these organizers “with explanatory text, Web links, and pictures” (Pitler et al., 2007, p. 76). The mere act of recording and/or accessing multiple representations of a single concept supports cognitive learning theories in general.
Of course, there are many other forms of technology available to achieve similar results. How we go about accessing them and to what extent we allow them to permeate our consciousness depends on the opportunity to experience expectations and on the implementation of the tools. As teachers, we should not only accept that these tools are vital for overall student success, but also that teaching these techniques help us too.
Take it easy,
James
References
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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What a great point to acknowledge that our own beliefs and prior ideas help to shape how we learn and assimilate knowledge. I hadn’t look at the Cognitivist Theory specifically like that. You mention having your students use Word Processing software to access and update discussion or lecture notes. Do you have the availability of using computers in your classroom, with ease; or how to you plan to have your students do this revising and linking?
ReplyDeleteRespectfully,
Kelly Hart
Hi James,
ReplyDeleteYou make a great point, that using these tools does not solely serve a purpose in student success, but they help educators too. Teaching the techniques in using technology tools to help further student understanding also helps teachers to focus what they are teaching and provide a standard for getting all students on the same page.
Take care,
Holly
James, I like the idea of using a spreadsheet and other forms of technology to take notes, but how do students do that while there is a lecture going on? Do your students have access to a laptop at all times? I only have five computers in my classroom, so my students would have to take written notes first and then retype them into a word format or spreadsheet. Which if they are doing this twice, then they will be able to retain the information presented better. Teaching these techniques will be vital part of getting the students prepared for a future of technology use.
ReplyDeleteJames,
ReplyDeleteI to use the idea of using different technology tools to help the students understand the knowledge. Thats cool that they are able to type there notes out individually because they will be able to edit there writing without making notes sloppy. Also, great that they will be able to make sure they are spelling things correctly and writing in complete sentences without fragments and things like that. Good Ideas.
Trenton
Hey All,
ReplyDeleteI actually wrote this entry with a strong sense of wishful thinking. I do not have a full classroom set of computers, but if I did... .
The point is that I think having access to organized multiple representations of content is really beneficial to all (students and teachers - after the initial preparations).
Take it easy,
James