The Cognitive Learning Theory focuses "on learning as mental operation that takes place when information enters through the senses, undergoes mental manipulation, is stored, and is finally used" (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2008, pg. 16). It is the idea that learning is only if you are able to remember the information, make connections between information, and use the information in a higher level of thinking. In the book, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, the author refers to cues, questions, and advanced organizers that can be used to help support the cognitive theory of learning. The cues are used as a way to remind students of information or prepare them for the information they are about to learn. The questioning allows students to recall the prior knowledge needed to enhance the current information being obtained. Lastly, the advance organizer is a technique used prior to an activity to help students organize their thinking to allow room for the information to be learned. All of these strategies are used to prior to a lesson to help students prepare for the information being taught in hopes of allowing them to better recall the information, as well as more effectively impact their prior knowledge and ability to make connections. These strategies are tools in the cognitive learning theory.
Technology can also support the cognitive learning theory. When you prepare students for an activity using the strategies, such as cues, questioning, and advanced organizers, have the students use the computer for these activities. Some programs that you might use is word processor, excel, or specific organizing software programs. These programs will not only be more interesting to the students, but it will also have more of an impact of their ability to recall the information.
The Cognitive learning theory is only affective when you have prepared students for the information being taught, made an impact on them while teaching, and allowed them to make connections to the information they already know. Technology is a great way to support and provide an effective learning experience.
Resources
Lever-Duffy, J. & McDonald, J. (2008). Teaching and learning with technology (3rd ed. pp. 2–35).
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
I agree technology is a great way to support the cognitive learning theory. Using the computer programs you mentioned are awesome tools to use with the students in the classroom. I use Microsoft Excel a lot with my engineering students because they can enter in all their information and it will give them basically any type of chart or graph they need along with using formulas to figure the math out for them. It works great. What are some of the things you do with your students for organizers using the applications you mentioned?
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ReplyDeleteYes, I agree that making connections is key to remembering information. I have the most success with my students when I am able to help them make associations or connections with the material and familiar items or processes. Technology can help with this because it helps keep students engaged and focused as the material is being presented. I love helping my students go from the minimal rote recall to the actual understanding of curriculum with higher order thinking. I also agree that repetition and practice is key, and teachers need to review often in order for students to retain greater information for future application.
ReplyDeleteIs there anything specific that you use? I have used tools like Kidspiration (which the students love to do) and Powerpoint Presentations.
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