Cognitive learning theory suggests that learning be kept short for the learner, since the human brain can only manage 7-12 items at any one time. It also states that people can remember images much better than text alone. People store images in their memory and label them, also known as dual-coding of information. Another very important part of cognitive learning is episodic memory. If a teacher can tie learning into the students life, then it will become more memorable for the student.
Concept mapping is a good instructional strategy because it allows the student to organize information into a workable, visual model that makes sense to them. It can take all of the things that the student is learning and puts it into a map that shows the connections between things.
Virtual field trips are another good instructional strategy because not only does the student learn about a particular item, the student then gets to explore and actually "see" what they have been learning about. The more ways that you can make a connection with your students and what they are learning, the more likely it is that it will become part of their memory.
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You are right that the more connections students make with concepts, the greater the likelihood that the material will remembered and readably accessible. I think this is why I am an advocate for interdisciplinary education. The more that concepts from different subject areas are connected together, the greater chance that students will not only remember the material but be able to make even more cognitive connections. In most high schools, subjects are taught in isolation and there is the expectation that students will naturally make the connections between subject areas. It seems like we should be emphasizing this approach all along.
ReplyDeleteKevin,
ReplyDeleteI wholeheartedly agree with that. During our inservice days, this is one of our biggest complaints. If we had time to meet together as a faculty every once in a while and share what we are doing in class, we could make connections better and know what is going on in each others classes. There are so many opportunities for cross-curricular items, but it is being lost because we are isolated.
Susan
Funny story for you. In my first year of college I took a study skills class attached to a biology class. After every test I had to turn my notes in to my study skills teacher to comment on them so I would learn to take better notes. Well I recieved an A on my first test and turned in my notes. My study skills teacher was in shock. I had a title for the lecture and random drawings on the page. She said these are horrible notes how can this help you get an A. I told her that I remeber everyhting that was being talked about while each of the pictures were being drawn. Needless to say I did not get an A in study skills.
ReplyDeleteI beleive this relates to your discussion of images lasting longer than text. I am still good with biology.