Cognitive Learning Theory

The cognitive theory of learning deals with information processing. It is important to understand how the brain handles information in order to create meaningful learning experiences for students. Whether a student recalls information or not depends on the connections that are made during learning. There are strategies that Dr. Michael Orey mentions that will help the students store knowledge (Laureate, 2008). Elaborating on a topic will allow the opportunity for information to be stored in long term memory. Also the method of dual coding will help students to relate objects or images with certain words. This will assist them in retrieving the data held in their memory.

Virtual field trips are an excellent way to elaborate on concepts taught in the classroom. Recalling childhood memories usually revolve around an event that has happened. Virtual field trips allow students the opportunity to visit an event they otherwise would not have the chance to witness. This creates an episode that they can set to memory. I remember making a model of the Globe Theater where the Shakespearean plays were performed. I may not have been a big Shakespeare fan, but I do remember learning about his theater and how the performances were conducted. If I were an English teacher, a virtual field trip to the Globe Theater would be an ideal learning experience.

Spreadsheets, such as Excel, are an excellent tool to use in developing cognitive experiences. Being a math teacher, I can see a lot of potential for the use of spreadsheets in my classroom. They would be good to use for application problems that would broaden the understanding of topics taught. Sometimes calculating simple math problems can be tedious when the “big picture” is what you want your students to see. Using spreadsheets can help to bypass the simple time consuming calculations in order to arrive at the desired result.

Concept maps are another great tool to use. A concept map allows students to make connections between ideas. It is a good way to organize information. As new vocabulary terms are taught, students can add them to the concept map (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). They can then elaborate on the ideas even further as they learn more.

Another tool that I find very helpful as a math teacher is the program GeoGebra. Students can create graphs and manipulate them to see changes on the graph. This is a great program to give students as an assignment to submit electronically. Here is a website to download GeoGebra: http://www.geogebra.org/cms/

There are many technological tools available that can strengthen the cognitive development of students. It is important for me to be well informed of these tools and use them myself. This way I will be able to share them with my students.

References:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program five. Cognitive Learning Theory [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore: Author.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.