Connectivism

My Learning Mind Map

Understanding How the Brain Processes Information

     For this week’s entry I have choose two articles from education.com.  The two articles I choose are Information Procession Theory, and Metacognition.   

Information Processing Theory

Author: Gregory Schraw/Matthew McCrudden

http://www.education.com/reference/article/information-processing-theory/

In this article the information processing model is used as a metaphor for successful learning because it is well supported by research and provides a well-articulated means for describing the main cognitive structures (i.e., memory systems) and processes (i.e., strategies in the learning cycle (Schraw & McCrudden, 2009).  I found this article valuable because it helped me to understand how sensory, working and long term memory work together.  The article also provides a model showing how the working memory and long-term memory are connected by encoding and retrieval processes (Schraw & McCrudden, 2009). The last topic covered is Implications for Instruction.  The information processing model provides four important implications for improving learning and instruction (Schraw & McCrudden, 2009).

Metacognition

Author: Linda Baker

http://www.education.com/reference/article/metacognition/

The topics in this article are:

-          Historical Roots of inquiry in metacognition

-          Importance of Metacognition in Theories of Learning and Instruction

-          Developmental and individual Differences in Metacognition

-          Assessment of Metacognition

-          Instructional Implications

The term metacognition literally mean cognition about cognition, or more informally, thinking about thinking.  John Flavell (1976) defined metacognition as knowledge cognition and control of cognition.  The knowledge component encompasses what one know about cognition, including knowledge about oneself as a learner, about aspects of the task at hand, and about strategies needed to carry out the task effectively (Baker, 2009).  This article is valuable because it covers the importance of metacognition in learning theories.  I also like that the article covers instructional implications and how medacognition can be included in teacher preparation and in classroom curriculum (Baker, 2009).

References

Baker, L. (2009). Metacognition. Retrieved from  http://www.education.com/reference/article/metacognition/

Flavell, J. H. (1976). Metacognitive aspects of problem solving. In L. B. Resnick (Ed.), The nature of intelligence (pp. 231-235).  Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.

Schraw, G., & McCrudden, M. (2009). Retrieved fromhttp://www.education.com/reference/article/information-processing-theory/

Doorway to Professional Learning

Hello!  I am very excited about this blog and to expand my learning experiences in instructional design, and learning theories.  I plan to use this blog as part of my professional learning development and to link myself to the learning community.  According to Ferriter (2009) blogs are for educators to reflect on instruction, challenge assumptions, question policies, offer advice, design solutions, and learn together.  In this blog I will identify three resources that will further my understanding in learning theories and instructional design.

Cathy Moore:  Let’s save the world from boring e-learning.  In this blog Cathy Moore explores instructional design and shares many ideas in leadership and learning.  Her many blog topics include action mapping, activity design, project management, research scenarios, and performance support. 

Dianne Rees:  Instructional Design Fusions.  Dianne Rees is a writer and instructional designer.  This blog provides opportunity to learn about approaches to instructional design, leadership and learning theories.  This blog also provides many learning opportunities to further my journey in instructional design and learning theories.    

Christy Tucher:  Experiencing e-learning.  This blog focuses on building engaging learning experiences through instructional design and e-learning (Tucker n.d.).  The topics included in this blog are instructional design, corporate e-learning, higher education, K-12 education, life long learning, and technology.  I plan to use this blog to help me understand more in the field of e-learning and the skills I will need to further my education in instructional design.  I am also looking forward to learning about the technology I will be using in this journey.

I am excited to include these blogs and others as part of my professional learning development in learning theories and instructional design. 

References:

Ferriter, B. (2009). Learning with blogs and wikis. Educational Leadership 66(5), 34-38.