Learning, Cognition and Memory

1. Learning, Cognition and Memory EDC 312 Dr. Diane Kern Chapter 2

2. Admit activity Ch. 2 We know that learning is “a process of actively constructing meaning.” What does this mean? Describe 3 classroom strategies that help students learn actively and explain why this practice is effective.

3. Discussion • Admit Activity • Syllabus questions/course requirements

4. Case Study: The New World • We must understand the nature of learning in order to teach children and adolescents well Theoretical Perspectives on Learning • Behaviorism • Social Learning Theory • Information Processing Theory • Constructivism • Sociocultural Theory

5. Behaviorism • Definition: Learning is viewed as a process of acquiring and modifying associations among stimuli and responses. • Key theorists and theories: B.F. Skinner-Operant conditioning Pavlov- Classical conditioning

6. B.F. Skinner Conducted experimental research studies. ”Operant conditioning” is based on the idea that learning is a function of changeable behavior. Changes in behavior are the result of a person’s response to events (stimuli). When a stimulus-response is reinforced (rewarded), the individual becomes conditioned to respond.

7. Ivan Pavlov Conducted experiments with dogs in 1920s. He found that dogs naturally salivate in an unconditioned response to the unconditioned stimulus of food. He also proved that dogs can be taught to salivate (a conditioned response) in response to a conditioned stimulus (one that creates a physiological or emotional response after learning).

8. Social Learning Theory • Definition: People learn from observing one another • Key theorists and theories: Bandura – “social learning theory” Bandura’s research showed that children learn from observing others. In a classroom setting, this may occur through teacher’s modeling, observing a peer, or learning vicariously from another’s experiences.

9. Information Processing Theory • Definition: Focus on what goes on inside learners as they learn. Particular focus on cognitive processes involved in learning, memory and performance. • Key theorists and theories: • Declarative, procedural and conditional knowledge building

10. Constructivism • Define: Learning occurs when people create (rather than absorb) knowledge from their observations and experiences. • Key theorists and theories: Piaget- Theory of cognitive development and 4 developmental stages of learning -sensorimotor; pre-operational; concrete operational; formal operational

11. Sociocultural view of learning • Define: Learning occurs in social, cultural and historical contexts that have profound influence on thinking, learning and instructional practices. • Key theorists and theories: Vygotsky- zone of proximal development

12. Learning and CognitionVideos • Early Childhood • Middle Childhood • Adolescence • Your notes during/after each clip… --What strengths do you note about the learner’s memory? --What is he or she not able to do? --Try to use vocabulary/theories from Ch. 2 in your response

13. So what?! • Share your observations of different level learners. How will what you know about learning, cognition and memory affect your instruction in the early grades, middle grades, and high school?

14. Next up! • Ch. 2 workshop • Dangerous Minds and applying the 5 theoretical principles • Demonstration lesson from a real classroom to show how to improve learners’ cognition, memory • Preparation for Quiz 1