Cognitive learning theory uses strategies in which the learner can use techniques in which to gain interest in a topic of study. With keen interest in a subject area, learners can focus and prepare themselves to learn about a topic. As a unit progresses, teachers can use different strategies to give learners experiences that will be favourable for learning and retention of the material.
Graphic organizers or concept maps enable students to focus and keep track of essential outcomes for the unit of study. Using technology in the form of movie clips, multimedia presentations, podcasts, virtual field trips, and other educational applications, students can begin to build those necessary experiences that will transfer information to long term memory for recall in the future. Adding visual information together with text is a more effective way in which information is stored in long-term memory.
Note taking has been a standard technique for learning for many years. This strategy has many benefits for student learning. However, to make note taking an even more helpful tool, incorporating technology can give learners a greater advantage. Concept maps and graphic organizers are a good way for students to organize information in a meaningful way. Students have the opportunity to insert pictures, diagrams, and drawings into their notes easily, and can show how the information fits together to their way of thinking.
Cognitive learning is about creating experiences. We all can remember when we were three years old and Great Aunt Helen took out her teeth at the family gathering and whistled Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. That experience will stay in our minds forever. So too teachers need to provide students with positive experiences where long-term learning will take place, not just retention for a test. Technology can go a long way in accomplishing this goal
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Rusty,
ReplyDeleteI love the connection we can now make between simple note taking and concept maps. Concept maps are a simple way for students to go beyond the boring old note taking and expand their creativity in note taking by using a concept map. I also think students will make a better connection to what they are learning with the concept map. I hardly ever went back to my notes as a student unless it was for a test. Concept mapping might have helped me a lot!
I became a big fan of concept maps last year. I use them to help my students retell a story, compare and contrast, classify as well as several other uses. I try to use at least one concept map a week. I feel that they have helped my students to retain and recall information.
ReplyDeleteI have yet to incorporate technology into my concept maps but I agree with you that it can give learners a greater advantage. Finding ways to incorporate technology into my concept maps is my goal for next year.
Jeffrey & Amber,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments.
I see the value of concept maps, however, my students do not necessarily like doing them. Concept maps and organizers a new for them. My students would rather jump in without thinking. Some of these learners have not yet seen the value in using these tools. I suppose a spreadsheet to track their marks using a concept map and those assignments without one, may generate enough data for them to see a pattern.