- Concept Mapping: This is an excellent way to help students organize information. Dr. Orey states that concept mapping is a graphic explanation of the network model of thinking our brains use (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010). In addition concept mapping does not need to use only words but can include pictures or diagrams as well. This is especially important because when the brain sees images it dual codes them with the picture as well as the word associated with that picture (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010). This is important because it allows the brain to make more connections and help students recall information later.
- Virtual Field Trips: These are excellent way to provide students and opportunity to have an episodic experience. These kinds of experiences allow students to tie their learning to something they can relate to (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010). This too allows students to strengthen connections to the material they learn in class.
- Word Processing for Summarization: Note taking and summarization for students is a very complex task that takes practice to become good at. Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski suggest using the track changes feature in word to model note taking. Once text is copied into a word document teachers can show which items they delete and add in to streamline text. While the teacher does this the text is simply crossed out instead of deleted and new words are highlighted (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). This process of modeling will help students to develop strong note taking skills. This kind of note taking allows students to minimize and find important information which is important because reading only puts information into short term memory where about 7 items can be processed (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).
My experience with these strategies this week reinforces the fact that because teachers are constantly trying to do new things with students we need to sometimes be reminded of the power and importance of strategies we have used in the past.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). Program five. Cognitive learning theory [Webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Good insight! Your wrote, “Teachers are constantly trying to do new things, with week reinforces the fact that because teachers are constantly trying to do new things with students, we need to sometimes be reminded of the power and importance of strategies we have used in the past.”. I have to agree, as educators and active learners we are ever changing. There are times I forget about the past strategies that were successful because I moved on to the next thing. When I create a lesson I struggle with what strategies I will be using since there are so many different way to present information and I want to do what is best for each student individually.
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you how many times I have been sitting in a professional development seminar and I don't necessarily learn anything new but am reminded of how important or useful strategies are.
ReplyDeleteNick,
ReplyDeleteYou listed three potentially powerful strategies here in your post. Which, out of the three, do you feel are the most meaningful to your students? For me, I felt that the virtual field trip was a great experience for my students to go through. As Dr. Orey explained this type of activity engages students in the learning and then allows them to create new connections to previous experiences. Rather than superficial learning or memorization of basic facts, the students are able to analyze situations more critically and on a deeper level (Laureate Education, Inc, 2010). What was the response of your students when they had this experience?
-Nick Zomer
Nick-
ReplyDeleteI had inadvertently left off the citation for the video reference I posted. Here it is. I apologize for the confusion.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). Program six. Spotlight on technology: Virtual field trips [Webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Nick, I agree with your thoughts on virtual field trips. My students enjoyed watching videos of volume demonstrations. I really think the concept map I mad to go with the field trip really helped them see how it fit together.
ReplyDelete