Cognative Learning stratagies

This week we went over two different areas that help in the cognitive learning area. Cues, question and Advanced organizers and summarizing and not taking. Both of these actives lend well to the cognitive theory of learning which states that students learn with technology not from. The student is not using the computer to practice anymore but they are using technology to gain, organize and present information. The student is no longer using technology to refresh old knowledge but now they are using technology to increase their knowledge and gain new knowledge. Technology can be used in four areas in the cognitive theory, Information seeking, Information presentation, knowledge organization, and knowledge integration. Students can seek out new information, then arrange the information is a way that makes it easier for the student to understand and then connect the new information to information they already know and finally present the information in a logical manner. The quote from our reading that I like most and that sums up the cognative approach is “When students work With computer technology, instead of being controlled by it, they enhance the capabilities of the computer, and the computer enhances their thinking and learning.” (Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001)).


Refrences:

Refrences:
Online Book: Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
Section: Cognitive Tools

Behaviorism and instructional stratagies.

It seems that in today's classroom having the students do practice is getting out of style. I can not see how a teacher can expect their students to learn without practicing. The practice does not have to be worksheets of the same equations, but can be computer based training where a student plays a game that requires them to answer questions concerning what they are studing to continue on in the game. The important fact is that they are doing their practice.

I also believe that we should give the students credit for doing good work and putting forth effort. Hey that sounds like behaviorism again, dang we can't get away from that. In my class I have the student create a sheet of paper where they list their assignments and what grade the recieved on the assignment. In this weeks reading this is done on a spreadsheet. What a wonderful idea. I could have the students create a spreadsheet with the assignment, the maximum points, the points they got and the percentage that they have. I can also have the create it so it gives them a running grade so they would know what their grade in my class is at all times. One other thing I would do is have them list if they did homework assignments to show good effort leads to good grades..This addresses students' needs and provides immediate and appropriate feedback (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2008). Dang behaviorism again.

Refrences:

Lever-Duffy, J., & McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical Foundations. Boston, M.A. Allyn and Bacon.

Behaviorist approach to eduaction

I feel that the behaviorist approach will always have a place in the classroom. As teachers we are not only concerned with what our students learn but how they are behaved. We all know that a classroom full of chaos will not lead to learning. If we use behaviorist approaches we can help modify the poor behaviors. To answer the first question yes the tutorial programs have a place in the classroom. A student learns by practice. Having the students use programs on the computer to do drills, or tutorials helps them through repetition. If repetition did not work I would be in trouble coaching the softball team. We do drills to reinforce what we teach them. The head coach’s favorite saying is repetition is the key to success. I agree, but it comes down to how much effort the students put in. As out text said, “effort is the most important factor in achievement” (2007).In my classroom we have instant response capability. A student sees what grade they have gotten on a quiz instantly this is a form of behaviorist thinking. I use the clickers for the students to answer a question during class and I can judge how well the class understood, but it also shows the student that they did well or need to pay more attention. Also using games that review what you have taught is another way to make learning enjoyable for the students. When the student thinks it is fun they are more likely to do the practice and more likely to learn.Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Been a while

Hello everyone. I didn't get a job teaching this year. If you have read my other post I was one of 33 teachers in my school district that were laid off at the end of last year. I was not able to get another teaching position for this year so far. I did get my special education certification over the summer.