Cognitivism in Practice

Educators have many tools at their disposal that can enhance learning theory and provide meaningful experience. In this week's resources we looked at cues, questions and advance organizers along with summarizing and note taking. the use of computers as a cognitive tool gives the learner the opportunity to think about instead of reproducing and/or recalling it (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K., 2007).

The use of cues and questions correlates with the principals of cognitive learning theory by helping students focus on learning. Cues and questions help students make connections to prior knowledge and use higher order thinking skills. Advance organizers such as rubrics prepare students to apply their abilities and develop critical thinking skills (Pitler, et al 2007).

The use of multimedia helps to integrate multiple senses therefore improve learning by supporting dual coding where images are stored along with accompanying text. By incorporating technology in this manner students learn with computers instead of from computers. Students use the computer to research, present, organize, integrate, and generate knowledge.

Note taking such as combination notes which employ outlining webbing and pictographs in addition to words. Students therefore make more connection to concepts taking advantage of the network model of memory. Another interesting use technology is the use of an auto summarizing tool in Microsoft Word. This tool can be used to teach students how to summarize effectively by highlighting key points nad eliminating unnecessary or redundant information. Students can first create their own summaries and then compare to the summaries created by the auto summarizing tool. Students can organize their information anf effectively make meaningful connections.

The last of the tools that we were asked to look at, were virtual field trips and concept mapping. Both tools support dual coding and help the learner organize and visualize information. With all the budget concerns that educational districts are experiencing, these tools are perfect for today's classroom. Some place are way to far to visit or just to expensive too visit for student s and their families. Virtual field trips allow students to create episodic memories by giving them the "experience" of being there by "going" where they can't physically go (Laureate, 2008b). Concept mapping tools model the network model of memory by visually creating the connections between ideas (Laureate, 2008a). 

All of the tools presented take advantage of the way that people think and learn to make learning meaningful. By incorporating these tools along with many others in our bag of tricks our students will make connections to their learning that will last a lifetime.

References

Laureate Education Inc. (Producer). (2008a). Program five. Cognitive Learning Theory [Motion Picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.

Laureate Education Inc. (Producer). (2008b). Program six.Spotlight on Technology: Virtual Field Trips [Motion Picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Novak, J. D. & Cañas, A. J. (2008). The theory underling concept maps and how to construct and use them, Technical Report IHMC CmapTools 2006-01 Rev 01-2008. Retrieved from the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition Website:  http://cmap.ihmc.us/Publications/ResearchPapers/TheoryUnderlyingConceptMaps.pdf

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K.(2007) Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, Va. ASCD

Others in the same boat

After reading the comments, I see that others hear the same negative comments from students. What is the problem behind so many students have these defeatist attitudes? Is it lack of support at home? Is it negativity that follows them or is it just another way to avoid taking chances?

What do you do to build up your students confidence and negate those defeatist attitudes?

Behaviorism In Practice

There are so many learning theories that are talked about and debated on the exist in the classroom today. Behaviorism is one of them. It is seen in the classroom in areas such classroom management and homework among others. In this week's resources we see some examples of technology, that correlate with behaviorist learning theory and instructional strategies that relate to behaviorist theory.

One strategy is reinforcing effort(PItler, 2007). Reinforcement is a key element in behaviorist theory. Many students have a difficult time beleiveing that they can achieve by increasing their effort. They find reasons outside their control for way they can't succeed or why their peers can succeed. The use of spreadsheets to provide visual representation of how effort truly does have an affect achievement is one example of ebedding technology. The use of rubrics give clearly defined expectation. Incorporating them into the spreadsheet reinforces that connection between effort and achievement. Students can have this information readily available. This gives them concrete proof that effort and achievement are related. Dr Orey stated that reinforcement is one of the main components of operant conditioning, it has a more positive affect on the learner.

Another aspect of behaviorism is repetition or practice. It is clear that to really learn certain skills practice is essential. At the elementary school level this more evident. Concepts are presented in the classroom. Then practice is provided through homework or activities such as games, puzzles, manipulatives or web resources, that can reinforce the concepts using visuals with immediate feedback an or rewards, which as key to aspect of behaviorism. Students can also access these web resource at home or at a library away from the school setting. One particular website is the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives. In a classroom a student has access to various manipulatives that can help them make better connection between the concept and learning. By accessing these resources they continue their learning while at home.

Behaviorism plays a bigger role than one might think or even like to see in the classroom, but it does have it benefits.


References
Laureate Education, Inc.(Producer). (2008).Program Four. Behaviorist Learning Theory [Motion Picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore; Author.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007) Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, Va. ASCD

A new school year

We are back for a new year. I am looking forward to using many of the tools that I have learned while completing my graduate work. I have already tried a few things such as sending welcome letters that I worked on at the end of summer. I have been pleasantly surprised with some of the responses.
I also want to let my fellow classmates know that I'm excited to work with them.