This week in my masters' class I am learning about cognitivism and how to use cognitivism theories in the classroom. The readings for this week were really interesting but the best part was the practical ideas for lessons in the classroom. From Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn and Malenoski (2007) I really learned how improtant concept mapping is. Concept mapping is plotting ideas on an area but in a non-linear way. Therefore you can have multiple paths or strands to follow. This is much more like how people think rather than linearly like in writing.
I will use concept maps more in class after reading this text because I do a lot of writting activities which are not reaching all of the learning styles in my class. If I add in some concept maps for both assignments and notes it should help my students. The reason I think this will work is because the cognitivism theory says that we need to do more work with how the brain works and learns rather than the ways we have always done. So my hope is cognitivism will work in my classroom by doing helping my students learn better with concept mapping.
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Luke, this is Tami Phipps. I have to use a different account to be able to comment to your blog. I was very interested in the concept maps, too. I didn't realize just how important they could be to my students. The linear presentation of material really does make it easier to see and understand, doesn't it? I am hoping to reach more of my students, too. This week's readings had some very good ideas that were exciting to learn about.
ReplyDeleteLuke,
ReplyDeleteSince you teach multiple grade levels and subject areas creating a general concept map may be helpful. You may also want to consider having your students learn how to generate their own or fill in concept maps using online site suggested in this week’s class. I am introducing these sites to my 8th graders next week and hope that it is a success. Good Luck!
Wendy
Luke,
ReplyDeleteWith all the writting that you do with your students have you ever had them use the summarizing tool? I just learned about this amazing tool this week and was wondering if anyone had used it in the classroom before. I thought since your students do a lot of writting, you might be familiar.
I agree that creating concept maps after reading will help students understand and visualize connections from what was recently read.
Jean-Marie
Tami, Wendy and Jean-Marie,
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your great comments. It seems to me that I am like you all in that I have not used concept maps before but now I am very excited to use them. It is great to have other people to learn along side.
Luke
Luke,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. I have learned just as much from all of you as I have from the readings and video from class. It is so nice having people to talk to about the concepts we are learing about. I like having class online, but there are times when it would be nice to be able to talk to each other face to face. I think we could get even more out of class. Thanks for everything.
Luke,
ReplyDeleteI learned alot this week, and did face some frustrations along the way. What do you think you can take with you to be effective in your classroom as we go forward?
Joel