Week 3 - Cognitive learning theory in practice

The cognitive learning theory uses the metaphor of the mind as computer: information comes in, is being processed and leads to certain outcomes (Learning Theories, 2009).

Every teacher wants their students to be able to take the information that they are taught in class and have them be able to put it into their long-term memory. The cognitive theory helps you to look at the inner workings of the mind. When technology is combined with learning the avenues can become endless to help the students to make connections to the information. Paivio’s dual coding hypothesis states that “people remember images much more than they can remember text (Laureate, 2009). Teachers can really be helped by the modern technology.

Technology gives teachers many different ways and to reach the students. One way that students can visit locations with out leaving their classroom is by virtual field trips. Virtual field trips can help the student to interact with a museum, park, or part of the world. The ability to see actual a historic location and artifacts that are actually from the time period are invaluable to making connections to the studied event. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find any virtual field trips based on physical education. However, through cross-curricula teaching I can take my students on virtual field trips and bring what they saw back to a physical education or health base.

If you ever are looking for a new way to help your students expand their learning use virtual field trips. Your kids will enjoy it.

References:

Laureate Education, Inc (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore: Author.


Received from: www.learning-theories.com/cognitivism.html#more-34

J3