As teachers, what is our ultimate goal when teaching new information to students? Do we want them to receive a "good" grade by placing information in their short term memory or place the information into their long term memory for future use? I guess we probably want it all, but...
According to Dr. Orey, each idea is connected to another idea, so when receiving information we must use various strategies to teach the subject matter (Laureate, 2009). Material must be presented visually, through movement, sound, writing, communication, and discussion to reach all learning styles. For this reason, a virtual field trip would be an added asset to any lesson plan. Allowing students to interact and become part of the learning/teaching process.
"The instructional strategy summarizing and note taking focuses on enhancing students' ability to synthesize information and distill it into a concise new form" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, p.119). It is extremely important that students organize the information they are receiving and put it in their own words. Another strategy is to use cues, questions and advance graphic organizers. I do this often by relating subject matter to life experiences, by asking questions, and providing the entire class with graphic organizers, such as concept maps. This gives students the opportunity to become familiar with what is being taught. I believe that this can be accomplished in all grade levels and with all types of information. There are several computer programs that can be altered to fit its purpose.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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I guess as teachers we really want it all, but if I can not have it all, then I want my students to be able to place the new information that was just taught, into their long-term memory. I strongly believe that the dual-coding process is the way to go. If we give our students multiple ways of learning one thing, there are better off in the future to recall that information.
ReplyDeleteErika is right. Which means, we have a lot of work to do in changing and improving our teaching methods and lessons.
ReplyDeleteSuzie,
ReplyDeleteGreat response!I truly believe that relating the information we are teaching to their own experiences through such tools as graphic organizers is key. I believe that students later can mentally think back about this experience and remember the visual they used to compare it to their life....very powerful!
For all of these reasons, using the Multiple Intelligenes when creating lessons is extremely important. We, as teachers, must get to know our students and their learning styles in order to incorporate various activities that will prove to be successful for each individual student. I have found it beneficial to research and use Glasser’s True Colors to identify each of my students’ personalities, learning style… With this information I am able to work towards providing ALL my students with a positive learning community.
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