This week I have spent a lot of time learning about the brain and the role it plays in teaching and learning. After my readings I perused a lot of sites and online journals looking for some good information to convey to others.
One of the main theories to think about when thinking about thinking is the IP Theory (Information Processing theory). George A. Miller laid the foundation for IP with two different theories. One was "chunking" and the other was the idea that the human mind is much like that of a computer. This is where the three different kinds of memory (Sensory resisters, short term and long term memory) are considered. I am not saying that all of his theories should be taken as law, but they are a great place to start your own personal journey through the mind and the way it thinks. If you want to know a little more check out this Information Processing Theory site. The links in the actual writing didn't work for me, but at the bottom of the page you will find some interesting ones that will give you more information on IP. This is great information to consider when creating lessons for people that you want to make sure "stick".
On a more personal note, I have often wondered about how I will handle working with adults as opposed to my cute little cherub faces tyrants. I know how to walk a child through the steps of problem solving, but with adults there are so many more levels to finding a solution. But I found this problem solving skills site that breaks down a lot of the different elements that go into adult problem solving. It even offers printable tables for you to use to gain a better understanding how skilled you are at problem solving. As I encounter different aged "students" I will be able to use this information to help me get a handle on how to get them to solve problems in order to learn from all that I am offering.
If you want to know about Brian-Based learning check out this learning site. It offers everything from the core principles, to three instructional techniques and a host of other information. This is my favorite of all my offerings in this week's post. It gives so much information that I can use in my current classroom and in the future. This page is filled with great information for any kind of teacher. Just to give you an idea of what the creators of this site are all about I am posting a few lines from the page. Being a teacher, these few lines made me nod in full agreement at the computer screen. And as a future ID professional, it is a reality I need to embrace and hold onto throughout my career.
"Designers of educational tools must be artistic in their creation of brain-friendly environments. Instructors need to realize that the best way to learn is not through lecture, but by participation in realistic environments that let learners try new things safely." (Funderstanding, 1998-2008 )
No comments:
Post a Comment