Cognitive Learning Theories in Practice

 

            Cognitive Learning Theories focus on ways information is processed and stored (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).  This theory is valuable for teachers as it is the foundation of what we do.  One thing I do to support student learning is trying to incorporate multiple senses throughout my lessons (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).  After my exploration of resources to integrate more than one sense into various lessons, I am committed to using this virtual field trip resource as often as possible.  The idea that we can go where we cannot physically is incredibly inspiring!  I cannot wait to take my students on virtual field trip through ecosystems that are not located in our region!  I can also see students connecting to locations mentioned in the books we read together.  The connections made will create episodic memories that are based in rich experiences (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).  The more connections a student is able to build in relation to the content being taught, the easier it is for them to access information (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010). 

            To support students’ ability to make connections about our content, it is vital to use advance graphic organizers or another template for students to organize their learning.  Advance graphic organizers help students focus their learning (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007).   In my opinion, they are more than just a Venn Diagram.  These organizers offer cues, guiding questions, or visuals that offer students a clearer sense of what they are going to learn and what the learning objectives are for that lesson (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007).  When using graphic organizers, I like to use a program called ActivInspire because it is very student friendly and can be edited post-creation by the teacher or by students.  By saving it to our student server, students are able to edit it, save it, and I can put my feedback directly onto the page.  I also like to use templates or frames prior to students summarizing information.  This will be especially helpful when my students begin responding to reading on our classroom blog and creating wikis to summarize science and social studies units.  Wikis and blogs are excellent ways for students to demonstrate summarizing while collaborating over content in a place where I can provide immediate feedback (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). What are some other ways I could support my students through cues and questions? 

            Today, I introduced the idea of Concept Mapping as a way to further support the cognitive development of my students.  Concept maps are a fantastic way for students to replicate the network model of memory (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).  Concept maps let students to visually show connections as some information can be stored as images as well as text (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).  Using concept map software allows teachers to integrate technology while keeping the focus on accessing the information stored in the brain.  The program I will use with my students is called The Brain and can be downloaded on PCs and Macs.  Are there any other concept mapping softwares that are student friendly? 

Thanks for reading and participating!

:) Katie

Resources:

Laureate Education, Inc. (2010). Designing curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Baltimore, MD: Author.

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