This week in my technology class, we have moved from focusing on the Behaviorist Theory to the Cognitive Theory. In The Cognitive Learning Theories video segment Dr. Orey explains that the Cognitive Learning Theory is all about processing information starting with information reception to short-term or working memory then to long-term memory. The three types of long-term memory are: declarative (facts/information), procedural (how to do things), episodic (events in our lives) (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011a). It is my goal to produce rich learning experiences so that the information will be stored in the learner’s long-term memory.
We learned about several instructional strategies and tools that directly correlate with the Cognitive Learning Theory. They are: cues, questions, advance organizers, summarizing, note-taking, concept mapping, and virtual field trips. I have to say that my first thought was how can these strategies help me in Physical Education where we have strict activity guidelines and are usually moving for most of the 50 minutes that our students are with us? After exploring each strategy and tool, I found that I can utilize most of the strategies and already use some with my students.
Cues, Questions, and Advance Organizers:
Cues are “hints” to students about the content of a lesson. Questions allow students to access previously learned information on the topic, and teachers to assess what the students do not already know. Advance organizers are introduced before a lesson to draw attention to important points, identify relationships within the material, and relate material to students’ prior knowledge (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, 2012). In our classes we constantly use cues and questions, and this week’s information has caused me to contemplate how I can utilize advance organizers in my classes. One way that I found to be conducive to PE class is to have the students to create a brochure outlining skills and techniques for a certain sport or activity. This could be coordinated with the computer lab instructor.
Summarizing and Note Taking:
Note taking and summarizing are similar in that they enhance the students’ ability to organize information in a way that captures the main ideas and supporting details. Note taking is rarely taught as a skill, and some students really need guidance in this area. There are a number of word processing and web applications that assist with summarizing and note taking. Wikis and blogs support collaborative note taking and summarizing (Ptiler, Hubbell, Kuhn, 2012). Here is a website that is fun for the students to demonstration summarization: www.wordle.com.
Concept Maps:
Concept maps are graphical tools for organizing and representing knowledge. They include concepts, usually enclosed in circles or boxes of some type, and relationships between concepts indicated by a connecting line linking two concepts. Words on the line, referred to as linking words or linking phrases, specify the relationship between the two concepts (Novak, & Cañas, 2008). Concept maps are advance organizers.
Virtual Field Trips:
Virtual Field Trips provide rich experiences that in turn create episodes that will hopefully stay in the student’s long-term memory. They provide opportunity to compare information with other primary sources. Usually when we allow our students to experience a virtual field trip, we are using all of the learning theories (Orey, 2011). Check out this website for a variety of virtual field trips: http://www.areavibes.com/library/online-field-trips-for-students/
This week’s resources have really been an eye opener for me in regards to utilizing strategies and technology tools as they relate to the Cognitive Learning Theory. I have a new commitment to utilize some of these strategies and tools to help my students make connections and associations to the content that will help get information to and keep it in their long-term memory. This, in turn, will hopefully assist in producing lifelong, healthy learners even in Physical Education.
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
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program six: Spotlight on technology: Virtual field trips [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
Novak, J. D., & Cañas, A. J. (2008). The theory underlying concept maps and how to construct and use them, Technical Report IHMC CmapTools 2006-01 Rev 01-2008. Retrieved from the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition Web site: http://cmap.ihmc.us/Publications/ResearchPapers/ TheoryUnderlyingConceptMaps.pdf
Pitler, H. Hubbell, E. & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
I love how you went into each of the types of technology that represent the Cognitivist Theory. My personal favorite of these is online concept mapping. After reading about it this week I used them in my classroom and was amazed at how engaged my students were. It is a great way for students to record information and thoughts before, during, and after an event or topic. It really allows students to process information through their working memory, in hopes that it will be meaningful and not rote learning.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that concept mapping is a great tool and one that would be conducive to our PE classes as well as advanced organizers. Thanks for the comments.
DeleteLynn,
ReplyDeleteGreat post this week. I love the idea of creating a brochure that will outline the skills and technique for activities and sports. It is a great way to get the students engaged in P.E., and learn about new sports and activities, that they would otherwise not know about.
You did a great job breaking down the types of technology that fall into the cognitivist theory. I'm a big fan of using concept maps, and I'm beginning to like using virtual field trips, as they are a great way to teach the students about different places.
Thanks for your comments! Our computer lab instructors are very flexible and willing to help our students with classroom assignments. This is how we can be successful in integrating technology into our PE classes such as creating a brochure or working on a blog.
DeleteLynn,
ReplyDeleteI was somewhat apprehensive with this week’s activities at first. As I reflect after the completion the concept map and the virtual tour with my students I think these activities were very productive. These activities did not only benefit my students but I also learned something myself. It is a rare moment when an event can advance learning for both, students and teacher. I will also continue to utilize these tools and strategies learned from this course going forward.
I have to say that I was apprehensive also. I had a hard time finding a virtual tour specific to PE. I agree that it is a rare moment when a learning experience can advance learning for the students and teacher. Thanks for your comments!
Delete