The
strategies of “Cues, Questions, and
Advanced Organizers” and “Summarizing and Note Taking” from Using Technology with Classroom Instruction
that Works correlate with the principles of cognitive learning theory
because I feel they use the ideas of dual coding hypothesis and elaboration
theory that we learned about in this week’s learning resources (Pittler,
Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenowski, 2007).
This week Dr. Orey talks about dual coding hypothesis in the context of
using visual or other senses as well as text representations and he defines
elaboration theory as the process of making connections to help remember
content topics (Laureate, 2010).
One
study I found that was particularly interesting about using advance organizers
to supplement repeated lectures and how it affected what material students
remember while taking notes. In the
experiment Kiewra and Mayer (1997) compared students simply hearing a lecture
to groups of students using different types of advanced organizers: linear,
matrix and (what they call) conventional.
In this study they explain that linear and matrix organizers lead
students in one direction with their notes, only allowing them to write about
the pre-listed topics, whereas the conventional organizer allowed students for
more freedom in their notes. This study showed
that simply repeating the information over and over did not affect
retention. It was only when students
were given a linear or matrix organizer that they were able to “integrate ideas
across topics” (Kiewra and Mayer, 1997).
This study made me think about how much students need help when they
take notes and how much advanced organizers can provide assistance. This is an area I personally need to improve
on to improve retention and promote cognitive processing of new information.
These
instructional strategies will help me to teach for understanding because using
them will help my students to make more connections necessary for them to
commit the content to long term knowledge.
One strategy that I feel could most help accomplish this are online
advanced organizers such as the one I am trying with my students this week for
our application assignment. Using these
organizers will support what I learned through the study I read about as well.
Another
technology tool I would like to learn more about in note taking is Microsoft
One Note. My school district loaded One
Note on the computers and it seems like a good place for students to store
notes and create reference pages. There
is a feature with that program that notebooks can be saved online for later
review of notes. This may solve the
problem of students losing all their notes but may create a problem if I cannot
sign up for enough computer access for my students.
This
week the ideas of different note taking strategies and advanced organizers made
me think deeper about how the brain makes connections and how we, as teachers,
can support that process. Cognitive
strategies paired with technology tools are a remarkable resource to promote
these connections.
References
Kiewra, K. A. & Mayer, R. E. (1997). Effects of advance organizers and
repeated presentations on students' learning.
Journal of Experimental Education, 65(2).
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). [Webcast]. Cognitive Learning Theories. Baltimore:
Laureate Media.
Pittler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., &
Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that
works. Alexandria: ACSD.
I agree with you that note taking is a very important skill that is hard for students. Since I have some special education students in my class I have found that I modify my notes more. These students need more of a structured outline for their notes. I used to just create the modified notes for them, but have since decided that having a more advanced setup for notes can help benefit all of the students in my class. Having the special education students in my class has really benefited me as a teacher. I modify a lot of my teaching and try to give the students a lot of connections or things to visualize, which helps them to learn a concept. One idea I would suggest would be to have your class as a whole come up with words or pictures that come to their mind when discussing a topic. You can use technology to complete this task or just have a discussion. This has helped my class brainstorm ideas of helping each other build connections.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte,
DeleteI agree that having special needs students in my class has helped me as a teacher too. One student really comes to mind of how much he taught me not only how to help students more effectively but also how to have a great attitude and do the best I can.
I love your idea of visualizing. We try to make connections about vocabulary but I have not tried visualizing about topics. I usually provide the picture. What topic did you have students visualize about and what steps did you take? I am asking because I will be trying that strategy next year! Thank you for that idea!
Jenny
I agree also!
ReplyDeleteNote taking is very important and very hard. I do not teach it enough. I find with my students (SpEd)it is hard for them to listen, copy, write, and think of their own ideas. I need to really work on this!
I also did not like, because I did not understand, advanced/graphic organizers when I was in school. I honestly did not fully understand them until I started teaching. This week has also helped me understand even more.
I have used them with my students and they love them. They think they are fun and many of my students "think outside the box" Therefor, a graphic organizer is helpful for them and they understand it. I personally need a strick guided outline. ;) But Everyone is different.
I agree that repeating information will not make a student retain it. Students need to be taught the subject/topic in a differnt way. I do not agree with retenion for many reasons, one of them is the fact that the students are just going to be told the same information again one more year. They are not going to be taught different. So how will the outcome change?
Thank you so much for your post this week. I enjoyed it.
Pru,
DeleteThank you for your post. It made me think further about what I said before. In my content (Spanish) review is so important and we have been trying to think of new ways to teach things in more authentic and varied ways. We are also trying to switch so students will not have the same Spanish teacher year after year because we all have different styles. Review is always key and repetition is there but I find when students are actually using the language is when we see the best acquisition of skills. When do you see the greatest gains in content retention with your students?
Jenny
Jenny-
DeleteI see the greatest gains after the "light bulb" went one! When students make a connection to the lesson and real life. I can see them understand the topic. It is a good feeling. I do use lots and lots of repetition, my students need a lot of "over and over" in order to 'get it'
I couldn't agree more! organizers are highly helpful tools which can help students create their own links between their existing knowledge and what they are trying to learn in the moment. Using organizers in class lectures would absolutely be helpful to students of all ages, and the note-taking skills which they would develop would benefit them throughout their school and work lives!
ReplyDeleteIn my school we have been using "Thinking Map" for a few years now, and I have seen a great deal of improvement in the quality of student work, simply because they used these tools to help them think through problems or projects before jumping right in. Even in my first grade class, my students are able to think about their own thinking. It always amazes me how deeply my students are able to think, even at this young age!
That is amazing that they are able to think that deeply too! As a high school teacher (and without children of my own) it is tough for me to remember what a first grader can do! What I liked about learning about concept maps is that it can be used before, during or after concepts. Also they can be used for learning, synthesizing, promoting conversation or even as assessment. I am definitely planning on using them more after learning so much about them this week! Thank you for your post!
DeleteJenny
Before this class, I have never thought about having students take notes or using advanced organizers. Teaching English in Japan, we are usually expected to just play games, etc. but I have long strayed from strictly game playing in my classes. And now that I am at a new school, all of these ideas and things that we have been learning, I feel I can finally put them to use.
ReplyDeleteEspecially when learning a new language, visual reinforcement is essential. I have two sons, 3 & 5, and both of their learning styles are different. They speak Japanese most of the time, but I have done well getting them to understand and use English. My eldest one picks things up really quick and makes connections fast. My youngest often needs a little more, like visuals or songs, to make things stick. However, understanding that, makes things so much easier. Even being so young, asking higher level questions to them like "what things are red?", etc, helps make the connections stronger. It's really amazing how these past 3 weeks learning has shed light on so many things in my professional career and personal life.
Thank you for post and also the outside resource. It is an interesting read.
Jeremy,
ReplyDeleteI love playing games in my Spanish classes but I try to just use them now as more of a review. I used to do them all the time but I am trying to make the content more authentic now. I am so glad that you are doing the same and that you will have more access to what you need now to implement what we have been learning.
The appreciate the story about your sons. Visual reinforcement is so key and I am glad you are helping your youngest using these brain based strategies. I imagine that being a teacher and learning more can really benefit your own kids as well! That is awesome to me. I hope one day I will have the same opportunity to use these strategies in my personal life too. Thank you for sharing!
Jenny