Effective summarizing leads to an increase in student learning. Helping students recognize how information is structured will help them summarize what they read or hear. Note taking is a related strategy that teachers use to support student learning. Teachers can prompt students to review and refine their notes, particularly when it is time to prepare for an exam, write a research paper, or other summative assessment of learning. By deliberately teaching the skills of summarizing and note taking, teachers provide students with a stronger foundation for learning by employing research-based strategies.
The Cognitive Learning Theory explains why the brain is the most incredible network of information processing and interpretation in the body as we learn things. Using various strategies such as “cues, questions, and advanced organizers” and “summarizing and note taking”, incorporates the ideas from the cognitive learning theory by stimulating the brain to think/learn in different ways.
Concept mapping is a tool used to represent relationships between ideas, images, or words. Concept mapping is a way to develop logical thinking and develop study skills. Virtual field trips create episodic memories. They allow the opportunity to “go” where you physically cannot. It’s a way to “witness” history and engage in critical thinking activities. Both of these exciting technology tools incorporate the ideas of the cognitive learning theory and feed into how students’ brains work/learn best.
My students really enjoyed the virtual field trip experience because like you said it allows students to go to places where they would normally not have the opportunity to go. They were amazed that there were so many resources out there that were talking about the same things they were learning about in the classroom. Creating those real world connections and showing students the importance of what they are learning created more meaningful learning experiences.
ReplyDeleteYou gave an excellent summary of using the cognitive learning theory. I think that with this theory in mind we will be able to increase our students’ understanding of the concepts learned during their education and the information that they learn will be lasting educational concepts. The Cognitive Learning Theory reminds us to incorporate certain aspects of the material along with others (text and images) in order for the students to create more avenues for learning.
You mention that effective summarizing leads to student learning. I agree with this, and that is why I feel it is important for teachers to teach students how to be an effective note taker. Students know to write information down on paper but I am not sure they always know what information is important. It is highly unlikely that students will retain all information but we want them to retain what we consider important. If students have a good understanding of summarizing, they will retain more key information.
ReplyDeleteLisa and Mike-
ReplyDeleteThanks for your feedback.
Summarizing and note taking is probably one of the hardest things my fifth graders are dealing with. Being that I teach all 57 students in the fifth grade math I have noticed how horrible their spelling is and how they have to stop and think how to spell with then wastes time. I keep explaining to them that in a math class when we take notes it is based on numbers and symbols and not by words. I tell them that if they want to write the word "number" to just place a number symbol in their writing. My goal as a math teach is not to teach for grammatical errors, but to make sure the students have the information down and then to teach the actual concept so that their notes actually make sense later. How do you teach good note taking skills with your students?
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