Many
learning theories today examine how knowledge is delivered to the brain. According
to Laureate Education, Inc., (2011), inert learning is when learning in one
context can be applied to other contexts. As students look at the world today, they
try and piece together information in a way that is meaningful.
Context and culture are essential for students as they try to understand. Are
students simply memorizing information for the sake of a test or are they
applying it to long term memory?
My
husband is a paramedic and has mentioned that some of his former classmates
memorized information for tests. As they pursued what they prepared for
mentally, they were unable to execute correct procedures because they had not physically
practiced it. I know personally I want a paramedic that not only knows
information, but can demonstrate it when needed. In the same way do we want
rote memory or situated cognition of students in our classrooms?
Social
Constructivism is one learning theory stating reality, knowledge, and learning
are all enhanced through interactions with others and social activities (Kim, 2001). In some cases, there is a MKO (More Knowledgeable Other) is which social
interactions can lead to understanding from another source (teacher, student,
technology, etc.). Peer tutoring is an effective strategy in this theory.
Cooperative
leaning is a strategy and theory used widely in schools today. Many teacher
evaluations today have cooperative learning as a required resource in lesson
planning. The advantages of this type of learning can be that students work at
their own pace and are engaged through the entirety of the activity. “By following
the appropriate structuring for cooperative learning, students are able to
develop and practice skills that will be needed to function in society and the
workplace” (Palmer, Peters, & Streetman, 2003, p. 12).
One
cooperative learning strategy is ability grouping. According to Palmer et al.
(2003), students are divided into groups according to their ability levels. A
high performing student could be paired with another high performing student to
create a skit and work together outside the classroom walls. On the opposite
end of the spectrum, a high achieving student could be placed with a low achieving
student to aid in peer teaching. This can benefit both students.
Syncpad
(http://vimeo.com/47258707) is a
wonderful cooperative learning app in which groups of students can use iPads as
a whiteboard to collaboratively draw. In Pre-K I can use this as one student
can write uppercase letters and partners can write lowercase letters. What an
interactive and motivating tool!
Connectivism
is a theory based on using 21st century technology. According to
Davis, Edmunds, and Kelly-Bateman (2008), “In today’s technology rich society, it
has become increasingly important to learn how to learn” (p. 1). Students have
to adjust their learning as time goes on. Connections need to be made and an
attitude of trying new things needs to be adopted. Lastly, global coordination
and organization pulls everything together to link students in a unique way. One type
of technology associated with this type of learning is a VoiceThread (https://voicethread.com). A voicethread
incorporates an online video of pictures and voice recordings. Students or
teachers can record information for learning or fun. Pictures and video can be
imbedded to make the voicethred more engaging. After the voicethread is
complete it can be shared with anyone in the world and comments can be made. My
latest voicethread is posted on my blog. Check it out!
Davis,
C, Edmunds, E, & Kelly-Bateman, V. (2008). Connectivism. In M. Orey (Ed.),
Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
Kim,
B. (2001). Social Constructivism. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on
learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
Laureate
Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program eight: Social learning theories
[Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology.
Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1
Palmer,
G., Peters, R., & Streetman, R. (2003). Cooperative learning. In M. Orey
(Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved
from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
Whitney,
ReplyDeleteI have also known people that just study information for the test, and then they don't have a clue to apply that in the real life. I think that it is important to have students practice what they are learning, that way they have a better chance of retaining that information, and it gives them a chance to see how that information fits into their lives or lives of others.
Syncpad sounds like it could be a great tool in the classroom. This could also be used in the upper grades for the students to work together to draw out ideas or even practice their writing.
Voicethread was very interesting to use and I can see how it can be used in the classroom. I'm excited to make more to use with the students and even make some for my four year old.
Lori,
ReplyDeleteI am excited to use VoiceThread with my students, too. I was brainstorming some activities I could integrate VoiceThread into and one in particular was demonstration of alphabet knowledge. I was thinking of letting every student record themselves saying one word for every letter of the alphabet. They will love to hear their voices over and over.
Thanks for your comment!
Whitney
Whitney,
ReplyDeleteYour paramedic story reminds me of the nursing program at one of our local technical schools. A person can become a Registered Nurse through this program or attend the local four-year college and get a bachelors degree and also become a Registered Nurse. I have heard that hospitals in the area will hire the tech nurses because they have had more hands-on clinical experience than the graduates from the college. Now, with that said, to get an administrative position in a hospital, a person has to have at lease a bachelors degree. This just shows that it is important to have that cooperative experience. We all know that there are some facts that had to be memorized, and many years ago, when I was in high school and before, it sure would have been easier to remember the information if we had been subjected to the cooperative learning strategy that we have focused on this week. Most of our learning was in a traditional classroom setting. I did have one PE teacher of course (lol), that became a great mentor to me, who was always teaching us life lessons within our classes. These were learned through cooperative and collaborative activities.