Cognitivism in Practice

Common strategies that teachers use are cues, questions, summarizing and note taking. However, using concept maps and graphic organizers lets the students read and see what the lesson is about. The more ways a topic can be presented, the more the students are likely to remember what they have been taught and be able to recall the information. Using advanced organizers can be helpful when teaching a new subject (Pilter, Hubbell, Huhn, & Malenoski,2007). Organizers help students understand information that may be difficult to recall. Summarizing and note taking is another strategy that can be used to help student retain information. Virtual field trips help students make connections that help them remember important details. They are also more interesting then just reading from a book or listening to the teacher lecture. All of these strategies fit the cognitive learning theory.
I am excited about using more concepts maps next school year, rather than just using graphic organizers without guided questions. I am also excited about using virtual field trips, which I have never used, to help my students explore more interesting topics, outside of what is in our text books.
During this last week of school, my team teacher and I took our students to our school computer lab and I was able to take them on a virtual field trip to Yellow Stone National Park. There is a scavenger hunt we did as a class and then we watched a live streaming video of a geyser erupting. They were so into the lesson that they did not want to leave the lab. So, I know that by exploring one virtual field trip, without much preparation, I am sure that next year I will grab my students interest and keep their attention, and they will remember what they learned. I am excited and ready too, because it will be something different rather than just reading and taking notes.

Reference:
Pilter, Howard, Hubbel, Elizabeth, Kuhn, Matt & Malenoski, Kim. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria: ASCD