After completing this week’s learning resources a few thoughts come to mind that connect some instructional strategies I use in the classroom to principles of cognitive learning theory. One method I implement and supports cognitive learning theory is the use of multimedia mapping. I recently assigned a project where the students had to find advertisements from special interest groups and annotate it using a myriad of programs. Their annotations had to highlight some of the key aspects of special interest group advertisements and their images had to contain at least 4 examples of these aspects. The students highly enjoyed this assignment and are extremely sharp when it comes to special interest groups. I attribute this to the fact that multimedia learning allows students to “both activate prior knowledge and develop a mental model to help them understand new information.” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007) This vivid connection supports the beliefs of Dr. Michael Orey, an expert in cognitive theory, as well. Orey stresses that for learning to be significant multiple senses must be integrated in the activity or presentation and ideas must be connected to other ideas. (Laureate, 2009) This learning activity exemplifies my best efforts to keep content relevant and fresh as long as educators’ best practices. Hopefully the integration of picture and words and the manipulation of both will aid my students now and in the future connect cognitively to the topic.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Program 5. Cognitive Learning Theories. [Educational video]. Baltimore: Author.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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Hi Beau,
ReplyDeleteYour recently assignment you described in your post is a great example of cognitivism in practice. Your students must have made some great connections to better understand special interest groups. I also teach Social Studies and use a lot of images to help my students make connections. It seems to help many of them. I use inspiration software a lot for note taking and it allows students to insert images. It is a great program and easy to use.
I completely agree with the multiple modalities when teaching. I believe that the more modalities a student can transport information hrough, the better the recall will be. It try to do this inmy lessons. I like your lesson. I plan on trying to incorporate inspiration into my upcoming lessons.
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