Cognitive
Learning Theories-A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste
Our brain is an amazing
organ and though some would argue that we use only a small portion of it is debatable.
However, the fact remains a good
functioning brain provides quality of life in order to function in our society
today. Learning new information is part
of life and whether a person is in school or not, it is a necessity of
life. In fact if we ever stopped
learning, we would stop growing as a person. In other words, we need to learn and continue
to learn. So as I talk with my students
who are eager “to get out of school and stop learning”, well, I tell them that
you might as well stop breathing.
Understanding how we
learn is vital to educators and students.
Dr. Michael Orey explains this process is simple terms. He describes how information is received to
the brain and is assimilated with the short-term memory functions. Information is then stored in long term
memory based on our connection to other information (Laureate Education, n.d). This
process of connection and being able to recall information for the past is a
fascinating process. He goes on to
explain that we don’t forget information but may have difficulty retrieving the
information. The better the connection
or experience with the information in our brains the easier it is to recall the
information (Laureate Education, n.d). This makes sense and that is why it is easier
to remember certain events or information than others.
As an educator, I must
remember constantly that in order for my students to remember the information that
I am presenting a connection must be made and an experience needs to be developed
through the senses. Imaging is very
important and the connection of those images to what I want my students to
learn is critical. I think this is why I
love multimedia and computer technology because it provides the avenue of using
all the senses and the ability to create a memorable experience. We are very
fortunate today to have tools available to use to create and enhance the learning
experience. In fact, today we may be experiencing information overload and the
need to mentally organize information, think clearly and deeply on topics is
sometimes very challenging. In order to
organize all the data I am learning and disseminating, I have created a list of
ten key webtools that are essential for using and storing of information.
No matter how sophisticated
the webtool, our brains are still the best computer in the world. Reminding students of that fact is vital to helping
them understand the creative abilities that are placed within them.
References
Laureate Education (Producer).
(n.d.). Cognitive learning theories [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., &
Kuhn, M. (2012). Using technology with classroom instruction that works (2nd
ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Hi Ray,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! You said, "Today we may be experiencing information overload and the need to mentally organize information, think clearly and deeply on topics is sometimes very challenging." That really hit home for me. So many of my students say that their up till 2-3AM texting their friends or on social media. I can not imagine what that is doing to their brains. My students go to school for 7 hours a day, go to sports or clubs after school, homework, social media time, and then sleep. I absolutely agree with you that my middle school students have a hard time mentally organizing their information, thoughts, and emotions. Teachers need to be accepting and accommodating to their sponge-like brains!
Raegan,
ReplyDeleteAs you know when your dealing with middle to high school students just getting them to understand how to be organized is 90% of what we teach before we can teach them anything else. I glad that we have at least so many tools at our disposal to help in that process and best of all, students like using the tools. Thanks