The cognitive learning theory focuses on thinking or the mental ability that a student performs when he/she receives information, stores information, and then processes information to be used when involved in a learning activity (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2008, p. 16). Each student has a different cognitive preference, and it is the teacher’s responsibility to use instructional strategies to best help students learn. In the DVD program, Cognitive Learning Theories, Dr. Michael Orey discussed the importance of presenting information visually and through audio as well as integrating other senses to improve learning (Laureate, Inc., 2009). “Cues, Questions, and Advanced Organizers” and “Summarizing and Note Taking” are two instructional strategies that I have explored this week from our course text, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, which can help teachers present information in different ways to improve learning. My insights of how these instructional strategies relate to cognitive learning are discussed in this blog.
“The instructional strategy cues, questions, and advanced organizers focuses on enhancing students’ ability to retrieve, use, and organize information about a topic” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, p. 73). Technologies such as word processing, spreadsheets, organizing and brainstorming, and multimedia can help students organize and process information. These different tools engage students in different ways to help students focus on concepts. Brochures, tables, charts, rubrics, and videos from United Streaming are examples resulting from technologies to help students activate prior knowledge so they can make new learning connections.
“The instructional strategy summarizing and note taking focuses on enhancing students’ ability to synthesize information and distill it into a concise new form” (Pitler et al., 2007, p. 119). Software such as Inspiration can be used to help students create concepts maps. A concept map can help scaffold information and help students organize information to facilitate their understanding (Novak & Canãs, 2008, p. 7). Text and graphics that students add to the map will help them organize ideas and make connections to their learning. A software program such as Microsoft Word has a Track Changes feature embedded into it that students can activate to help the summarize text that makes it easier for them to understand. Collaboration tools such as Wikis and blogs allow students a way they can come together to share resources and synthesis information.
When using appropriate instructional strategies as the ones I have mentioned above, teachers can engage students into making connections that further their understanding about a topic. Activating students’ prior knowledge will enhance students’ cognitive abilities. Furthermore, the integration of technology helps to motivate students and helps to support students’ cognitive learning.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). Program 5. Cognitive learning theories. [Motion Picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Dr. Michael Orey.
Lever-Duffy, J. & McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical Foundations (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
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., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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JLowe,
ReplyDeleteWhat tools do you use in your classroom to meet the cognitive needs of your students? In your Business Technology class, do you see the need to teach 21st century skills to your students to prepare them for their future careers?
Wendy
JLowe,
ReplyDeleteSince you teach business classes, do you use spreadsheets in your classroom instruction to help prepare students for the future? We use spreadsheets to organize so many things such as our checking accounts.
Jennifer P.
Wendy and Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your questions and comments. I teach classes that are specifically geared toward learning software. I have a class called Spreadsheet Applications in which students learn how to use the Excel program. Students learn many ways to use this program to prepare them for the future. One example is that students have to create a budget. In my Desktop Publishing and Keyboarding class, students create various projects such as newsletters and brochures. In these progects students research a topic and have to layout, design, and organize information. They also practice writing skills since I require them to cite their sources and summarize what they research in their own words. Yes, I believe I am teaching students 21st century skills and I look forward to learning more about technologies and instructional strategies that I can implement to make my students better engaged in learning.