In Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, we read about instructional strategies that support the cognitive learning theory. According to, “cues, questions, and advance organizers focuses on enhancing student’s ability to retrieve, use, and organize information about a topic” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski, 2007). More specifically, cues are reminders or hints, questions trigger the students’ memory while advance organizers help students classify and make sense of the content. This is done through the use of word processing applications, spreadsheets, brainstorm software, and multimedia applications. Concept maps are a great fit into this instructional strategy because it is a visual that children can use to connect information. Using concept maps is also a way for children to keep information organized which is essentially the idea of using cues, questions, and advance organizers.
The cognitive learning theory is also present in
summarizing and note taking. This instructional strategy focuses on enhancing
students’ ability to synthesize information and condense into a brief new form.
As stated in Using Technology with
Classroom Instruction that Works, “teachers work on helping students
separate important information from extraneous information and state the information
in their own form” (Pitler, et al., 2007). There are many technologies that
support summarizing and note taking. I especially liked the idea of a classroom
Wiki. During the last class, we were to create a class Wiki. The Wiki served as
a space for us to communicate, and store information in organized files. The
use of this collaborative tool in the classroom will allow students to share
resources, edit Web pages, as well as take notes and summarize content (Pitler,
et al., 2007). I think creating a classroom Wiki would be such a powerful tool
for children to communicate inside and outside of the classroom.
In the end, teaching with the cognitive learning process
in mind can be effective for our children. Above all, as Orey discussed, it is
important that we make as many connections as possible to the information
learned as much as we possibly can so that they store information for long term
use.
Therefore, I encourage teachers to try some of the ideas mentioned above to
make learning last beyond the lesson.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer).
(2011a). 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
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., &
Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works.
Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
4 comments:
Melissa,
Have you used concept maps in your class prior to this class? I tried to implement them today and my map ended up looking like a huge mess. I felt like the idea was great but when we put all of our info in, the map was huge and messy. If you have used concept maps effectively do you have any suggestions? I'm not sure if I used too big of a topic or what.
Thanks
Rachel
I have only ever used it on the iPad this week. I tried it as a comprehension activity and it worked out well. But I agree, sometimes the maps can look messy but I like them because I am a very visual learner so I can see where the connections are made from one point to another more easily. I am sure your lesson turned out great either way.
Melissa,
I also really like the idea of using a wiki in the classroom. One of the first ideas I had in our last class after learning about wiki’s was also to use it as a means for students to collaborate to summarize class notes, etc. My thoughts were that students could each be in charge placing a specific set of notes, content, or whatever on to the wiki. Then each student could also be responsible for adding to, editing, or correcting existing notes and material. The final product would be a sort of class summary or communal set of notes that combined everyone’s thoughts, ideas, perceptions, etc. Great idea! What is another way you have thought about using a wiki with your students?
Mark
I like your ideas Mark. I have been thinking of other ways that I could use it, I thought about having the student take ownership of the wiki and allowing them to place homework, announcements, etc. on there. I want it to be a communication tool for parents to be able to log into and get information from as well. I am open to more ideas if they come along though.
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