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