Cognitive learning theories dovetail with what we already know about our students. We know that our students must make connections to the new information in order to process it. Cognitive theories explain this process even deeper.
Paivio’s dual coding theory especially makes sense for our students. Today’s digital natives are accustomed to visual stimulation through multimedia devices. For them to make connections, the senses need to be engaged. A static presentation won’t engage them, but, more importantly, it doesn’t provide them with the necessary connections. Using technology to allow students to manipulate their learning through graphic advance organizers or concept mapping will allow them to make the connections on their own. Virtual field trips and other experiences will allow them to create the dual coding. As Dr. Orey explained, the student may retain the information but not be able to access it without cues. By providing cues, be it a video, photo, clip art, sound bit, movement or other device, teachers are furnishing a structure for their students to build multiple connections to the bit of information. A very simple example would be how I use clipart. The same clipart on the PowerPoint slide will be on the note sheet and will appear again on the study guide and quiz. This helps with simple fact retrieval. Deeper understanding comes from allowing the student to make the connection him or herself. Providing experiences such as videos or virtual field trips allows the student to take away what is most important to him or herself.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2001). Cognitive Learning Theories. [Video webcast]. Retrieved from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/ crs/default.learnCourseID=4889554&Survey=1&47=7434473&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=1&bhcp=1
Theresa,
ReplyDeleteGreat summary on the connection between cognitive learning theory and technology. I also have taken notice of students lack of motivation to even simple hands-on activities which they consider childish. You are also very correct on your obeservation of students being more stimulated visually because of the constant exposure to electronic devices over the years. I understood right away Paivio’s dual coding from the students pattern of learning, leaning more toward their visual senses. It would seem we will have a challenging role to balance when competing with every new gizmo that comes out.
Cheers
John A.
Theresa,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your analysis on how the dual coding theory works for our students. In today's society, students have been stimulated by electronics and new technologies. It is essential for teachers to remember that education is an ever-changing field and is very different from when we were growing up. It is important to ensure that students are taught to make meaningful connections with the curriculum. When students are able to activate their prior knowledge and build on that, integrating new information with the old, learning is effective and long-lasting.
Elizabeth Stein
Thank you for your excellent comments. I don't know if the students' need for stimulation is simply the new normal or if it will be detrimental to them in their careers. As professionals we are given our curriculum in dry, written language and have to use our imagination to turn it into exciting concepts. Will this new generation be able to do that - take written work and visualize it in their own minds? It concerns me.
ReplyDeleteTheresa,
ReplyDeleteI agree that using tools that align with Paivio’s dual coding theory are essential for today's students. I liked your idea of using matching clip art pictures to help students remember information from a PowerPoint. As a History teacher, I try to include visuals or multimedia to help students connect to the content. This is especially helpful to students when doing an assignment with vocabulary or people involved in an event. I've even had students make WWII trading cards with pictures on the front and descriptions on the back. This really seemed to help students remember the information. Great post!
Theresa, I love the idea of using the clip art pics to help with memory recall. I have heard of using the other senses to help as well, like playing classical music quietly in the background during the lesson and then the same music again during an assessment to help make connections, or smells like peppermint and lemon used in much the same way. The difficult part is remembering to make sure I have something like that available; having the music playing softly enough that it doesn't cause a distraction yet still loud enough to hear all through the room, or having peppermints available for the kids to eat or a candle to burn for the smell.
ReplyDeleteI really love the idea of using the clip art and think I can definitely incorporate that easier than any other strategy. The only challenge I'll have then will be what to do at the time of the state assessment. I will need to figure out how to transition from the clip art helpers to having nothing and the students still being able to recall.