The principles of cognitive learning theory basically explain how information is processed. The information is inputted to the brain and then it goes to the short-term memory. From there, the information is filtered and the “important” information is sent to the long-term memory. As a teacher, you want to incorporate as many senses as possible when presenting the information. Therefore, students should be involved in and creating the learning as much as possible. The information should be presented orally and visually while asking questions that require students to think critically.
One of the biggest challenges for students is to sort the information. Dr. Orey explained that the short-term memory can only process approximately 7 pieces of information at one time. If we are overloading our students with information, there is no way to expect them to be able to remember it and make sense of it. That is why we have to assist our students in organizing the information. Some of the strategies discussed in Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works are to create a concept map, create a template for notes in a word processor or spreadsheet software, and incorporate multimedia software (2007). These strategies allow the students to break down the information so it is more manageable to learn. It also allows them to organize it in a way that would make sense. Adding pictures where possible would also help to create more connections with the information.
In teaching Math it can be difficult to come up with meaningful pictures. Therefore, I try to have my students work with the information as much as possible. Excel software is a great way for students to create graphs and manipulate data. For example, students could input an equation such as y = 2x + 1 into Excel along with possible values for x. From that they could calculate the values of y and see the results graphed. From there they could change the equation to y = -2x + 1 and see what happens to the graph with the one minor change.
The main idea with integrating technology is to ensure we are creating the meaningful connections that allow our students to recall information more readily.
References:
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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I agree that making connections is the primary goal, and using technology assists with meeting that objective. I believe that too many times we overload our students, and we do not remember that they are only able to store seven new pieces of information at a time. Tools, such as concept maps and graphic organizers, do help to organize and summarize new data and make it more manageable for our students.
ReplyDeleteAs you both have already mentioned, the human brain is only able to process and retain 7 pieces of new information at a time. To me, this initially sounded like a lot of potential to remember nearly everything that is mentioned in class. Then I remembered that my students have 8 classes a day, extracurricular activities, jobs and a social life. In all of these areas they are constantly getting bombarded with new information and the academic new information may not be the first priority for them to remember. So, as educators we have to make the exposure to the new information as memorable as possible. Using visual representations is definitely one way of doing this. Organizers such as concept maps provide the opportunity for students to make connections between new information and prior knowledge.
ReplyDeleteYou bring up an excellent point when mentioning the importance of not overloading students with information. If we expect them to retain the information and put it their long term memory this is essential.
ReplyDeleteIn term of pictures with math have you ever heard of 'Model Drawing'(Singapore Math). We used this strategy a lot in my fifth grade class and it allows for drawing pictures with a lot of math work. As simple search on the internet will give you plenty of information.
Since hearing that you can only process seven pieces of information at a time, I have been much more aware of how much information I am giving my students in a day. This has helped me to focus my lessons even more and break it down into simpler, more understandable pieces.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip about Model Drawing - I will be looking into that more!
I also love using excel. I had my third graders use it to plug in their data we gathered for the amount of rainfall we had in a month. They loved this activity. Exceled allowed them to graph their data and have everything in a nice neat and organized fashion. I have a few students in my class who have a very difficult time writing. Now I am not saying that I want them to type everything out and forget about handwriting but when it comes to graphing things need to be neat in order to be read correctly. With the technology of excel it allows the graph to look neat and organized with the students data that they collected.
ReplyDeleteHi Emma,
ReplyDeleteWith the curriculum jam packed with more an more information that the students need to learn, it is often hard to not overload them with information. This is my first year teaching 5th grade social studies and I tried to go slowly and really investigate the material. However, now as I look at the curriculum there are still many things I need to cover! I agree with you and feel that technology can assist with in teaching material and help students make meaningful connections. It is important to plan lessons that allow students to make these connections and hopefully it will become a long-term memory.