Cognitive learning theorists believe learning is a process that takes place as information enters through the senses. The information is processed and stored in short term memory and long term memory. Short term memory can store and process 7, plus or minus two, pieces of information at one time. To become long term memory, the information is connected to other information and is stored as a declarative memory, procedural memory or an episodic event. The more connections students build the more information they can store and remember.
This week’s resources are full of excellent cognitive tools to enhance instructional strategies. Concept mapping helps keep the information manageable and organized in a manner that replicates the network model of memory. Combining concept mapping with brainstorming questions helps students make connections to the content that will enable them to store the information. Using visual representations in concept mapping is also a very effective tool in helping students store and remember information. I also enjoyed the rule based summarizing for note taking in Microsoft Word. It will help students keep the information manageable focusing on the content that is important. I am looking forward to trying this with my fifth grade class during a social studies lesson. Another example that I found to align with cognitive principles is the Virtual Field Trip. The Virtual Field Trip builds numerous connections to stored information and can help create episodes that become stored in long term memory. These cognitive based tools can help increase student engagement, understanding, and ability to recall information.
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Virtual Field trips can be beneficial ways. With some schools esperiencing financial struggles, a virtual field trip provide some of the same foundational experience benefits as a physical field trip by reducing the costs, avoiding the management of field trip forms and improving safety.Virtual Field Trips also push students to activiate prior knowledge or experiences in the brain.
ReplyDeleteVirtual field trips is a great way to have interaction in the classroom but not as stressful as actually leaving the building. I felt that you can really build up the virtual field trip by creating an environment that allows for students to feel like they are actually leaving the building, but really all they are doing is moving to another classroom. Like Dozier said it is also a great way for schools that cannot afford to take trip due to financial reasons to feel like they are getting the experience of a field trip. It is also good way to incorporate more field trips even if the school district can afford to go on trips.
ReplyDeleteIn learning everything relates back to how we process information and the more ways we as educators can present concepts the greater chance of the students storing that information into long term memory, and isn’t that every teachers goal?
FDozier,
ReplyDeleteMy school district has cut all field trips this year. I agree vitual field trips are an excellent way to have students still experience the benefits of in the field learning. I will be looking to incorporate more of these opportunities in the future.
Mrs. Bimbi,
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more about the stresses that go along with a field trip. Virtual field trips eliminate parent volunteers and what lunch studnets are going to take and what time we are going to get back to school.
I was excited to learn about the virtual field trips this week. With budget cuts happening everywhere, hardly anyone is allowed to take "real" field trips anymore. Plus, as fun as it was to go somewhere, it was pretty stressful and a lot of responsibility (as already stated by other classmates), so the virtual option is really awesome. Giving something for the students to physically see and interact with allows for that "episode" memory that Dr. Orey spoke about. I cannot wait to use the Holocaust trip I found with my high schoolers this year. I think it will really help them see and feel what it was really like to be at Auschwitz.
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