How Instructional Strategies Correlate with the Principles of the Cognitive Learning Theory

Cognitive learning is a 3 stage model, says Dr. Orey, and those three stages are receipt of information, which is stored in short-term memory, and is then stored into Long term memory.  It is my understanding that, because there is a limit to how much information a learner can absorb at one time (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008) it is imperative that as a teacher I am always cognizant of how the information is presented to my students.  Dr. Orey explains that Long-term memory is broken down into three phases.  They are Declarative, which includes the facts that a learner retains.  Procedural, which pertains to the instructions on how to do things that the learner would retain.  Finally, Episodic  Memory would be the retention of information pertaining to events.  Dr. Orey, also presented the Dual Coding Theory, which is when a person connects an image with a word and remembers that word forever, because of that image.  Dr. Orey stated that people store images in their memory easier.

 Another theory mentioned is the Elaboration Theory, which is considered the main mechanism for storing information.  This is when you connect additional memories to whatever it is that you need to remember, and this process helps the learner to learn easier.    Dr. Orey states that from a cognitive perspective, application of these theories in the academic arena are extremely important.

These theories set the foundation for the instructional strategies presented in the resources.   Giving Cues to students,  is the same as giving them a peek into what they will be learning. It is always important to set the stage for the learner, so that he/she is anticipating what is to come. Asking questions, and using Advanced Organizers are used to help in the enhancement of a learner’s ability to retrieve, use, and organize information about a subject matter (Marzano, Pickering, & Pollock, 2001). This relates to Dr. Orey’s explanation of the application of the theories, and of being mindful that the information presented must be done so methodically since the learner is simply not able to absorb too much information at once.  (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008)

Using Concept Mapping and Virtual Field Trips tools is connected to the Elaboration Cognitive Theory, which is when the learner is able to connect additional information to a subject to help with memory.  With Concept Mapping, the central node would be the main idea or topic of point of understanding, while the other connected modules allow the learner to take in the information piecemeal.  Dual Coding also plays a part in the Concept Mapping, because these tools offer additional images of which the learner can use to relate to something connected to that image such as a person, place, or another word.

Virtual Field Trips relate to Dr. Orey’s explanation of Episodic Memory, because a field trip (Virtual or Real) is definitely an event that entails visiting a location that is unfamiliar to the learner.  Virtual field trips, like the one presented of the Ford Theatre in the video (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008) are exciting, especially if the teacher presents the information well.  Even I was enthralled with watching the very booth that President Lincoln once sat in.  Because the event took place in Washington, DC (40 minutes from my home) I was thrilled to be able to witness that particular virtual trip.  I can only imagine how exciting that was for each of the students watching it. 

I intend to use the instructional strategies more often in my classes, because not only will implementing them make learning more exciting for my students, but it also gives me a solid platform from which to teach.   My students would benefit from a summary at the end of each lesson.  Although I always attempt to do this in my classroom, I am always cognizant of teaching from bell to bell as instructed by the Principal.  Therefore, I have sometimes been negligent in always summarizing at the end of each lesson.  Using these Instructional Strategies will keep me on track.  Also, I really like the idea of students taking notes, and I do intend to make sure that this is happening at the end of each class.    Taking notes reinforces what the students learned, and definitely helps learners retain more information. 

I will definitely be using all of the Instructional Strategies presented in this course, because there is a wealth of information waiting to be shared with young minds.  I am also excited to share tools such as virtual field trips with my co-workers who are always looking for ways to enhance learning for their students. 

References

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). Behaviorist learning theory [Video webcast]. Retrieved from   https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_2819318_1%26url%3D

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using technology with classroom instruction that works (2^nd    (2^nd ed.).  Alexandria, VA: ASCD.Ed).