Cognitive learning theory is about how information is processed by a learner. Connections must be made between new learning and what the learner already knows. When teaching for understanding, it is important to know that the uses of visuals are very powerful. When studying the strategies of “Cues, Questions, and Advance Organizers” I found that especially with the use of advance organizers, there is a strong correlation to the Cognitive Learning Theory because Advance organizers can come in many different forms, and are intended as a visual tool to organize thoughts and learning. “People can remember visuals better than just text, visual information gets what is called a dual code when stored in memory” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010)
“Summarizing and Note taking” are also strategies that I feel correlate strongly to the Cognitive Learning Theory because they are both ways for students to organize new learning in a way that is meaningful to the learner. While note taking or summarizing, the learner must process and organize information into a way that makes sense to them. That is what Cognitive Learning is all about.
These strategies are very helpful to me as a teacher in teaching for understanding. I feel that Questions and Cues should be given to guide learning and assist in building background knowledge. Different styles of Summarizing and Note taking should be taught and modeled to students so that they can actually visualize different ways of organizing information. I feel that visuals should be used in as many teaching situations as possible to address various learning styles, intelligences, and because that is just what the brain needs to make better connections.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). Program five. Cognitive learning theory [Webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore , MD
Cathy,
ReplyDeleteI agree completely with your statement."I feel that visuals should be used in as many teaching situations as possible to address various learning styles, intelligences, and because that is just what the brain needs to make better connections." the more we address the learning differences in our students, the better they will learn.
Diane
Diane,
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting my blog. I did a virtual fieldtrip along with a webspiration this week with my students. They had so much fun and were so engaged when we filled out the web. It was great! They soaked it in and were so hungry for more!
Cathy,
ReplyDeleteI use a lot of Summarizing and notetaking in my class as well. I believe when my students put my lessons into their own words, they learn better. Also, I found it beneficial for students to look at their peers notes to get a better understanding of what I am teaching.
Cathy,
ReplyDeleteNote taking is a great strategy. However, in 4th grade it is a skill that they have yet to develop. It takes them a long period of time to copy note much less know which things they should right down or not. Do you think that forced note taking is linked to cognitive development method? They are not making the connections the teachers are for them. Is this beneficial? If not, do we teach how to take notes or allow them to figure out what is important to them?
Thanks,
Nicole Feldvebel
I also agree with you about the importance of visuals in notes. In Geometry, I have been working on vocabulary lately by having students draw their own diagram of what a defition is. It has been working out very well. They have been able to identify different parts in the triangle proofs that we have been working on.
ReplyDeleteJeff
I believe a very good and challenging question has been brought up on this blog. Do I think that forced note taking is lined to cognitive development method? At first response, I would say no because it seems obvious that if students put their understanding down in their own words, they are using a higher level of thinking. Upon further investigation, I would say yes. Although it is more effective if the student determines what is important, they first need explicit instruction, practice and guidance on just how to take notes. They should be taught different styles of note taking. Dr. Marzano Discusses the importance of notetaking, and states that,"Notes should be considered a work in progress"(44). After students first take notes, they should be allowed time to add and revise as they develop their understanding of the concept. "The review-and-revision process can be a particularly powerful activity if encouraged and directed by the teacher"(44). I agree with Dr. Marzano that teacher prepared outlines are very powerfuland useful in guiding the note taking process.
ReplyDeleteMarzano, R. J., Pickering, D. J., & Pollock, J.E. (2001). Classroom instruction that works: Research-based strategies for increasing student achievement. Alexandria, VA: Association
Visuals are powerful! Love the correlation here…the questions and cues part, it’s amazing to guide them isn’t it? Cathy, you put things so nicely! Those connections you write about are pretty powerful when done correctly.
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