Learning and Performance
I must say that I found this chapter to be quite interesting. For example, learning and performace; learning something that we had previously learned. Most people think that most of our learning needs to come from reading books but in fact a lot of our learning comes by observing others. It makes perfect sense because that is how babies and small children who do not know how to read learn. They imitate what they see and that in itself is a learning process. This is a perfect indication that we cannot take learning for granted but much more than that; its obvious we are learning something each and every day of our lives. How facinating!!
Observational Learning
I believe that every educator should take the time to learn the processes of observational learning; these are Attention, Retention, Production and Motivation. This gives us a clear view that everyone learns differently and we can become more effective educators if we apply these types of learning concepts in the classroom. I am no expert but I believe this processes are a great tool.
Cognitive Modeling
One part of the chapter which I found somewhat difficult to understand was the Cognitive Modeling. Am I correct in assuming that this learning technique uses demonstration to show students how to do certain things. Is it like teaching using a hands-on approach?
I believe you are correct ELizabeth. I understood it that way too. Students benefit a lot from modeling from the teacher. One example that I use in my classroom is teaching the students the correct way to read. Every Monday, I read the story of the week to them before they get to read it on their own. I call it "teacher reads". I read the story using intonation, expression, pausing at end marks, and I ask myself questions. This helps them become better readers and they learn to pause and ask themselves questions in order to know if they are comprehending the story.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth – From what I understand, cognitive modeling is can encompass such things as hands on learning. However, it is not just the hands on learning of the student, but the actual behaviors of the teacher that the student also follows. For example, if a student wants to teach a student how to act in the library – quietly and courteously, then the teacher would model this behavior to where her students could observe her and then do the exact things that the teacher does to show that they understand. To me cognitive modeling means that the student has to actually repeat the behavior. Sometimes this would take only once for a student to understand while other times the student might have to repeat the behavior and the teacher model the behavior over and over again. From the University of Georgia (http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Examples_of_Modeling):
ReplyDelete“When designing a modeling strategy, it is important to keep three things in mind:
First, the model must be complete. Every step in each task and subtask must be included.
Second, avoid using words or phrases that can be interpreted in different ways. Try to use action verbs that describe observable behavior. Say exactly what you mean in the simplest and most direct terms.
Third, be certain the task is internally consistent, that it doesn't require a person to do two incompatible things at the same time. For example, a person cannot perform two operations at opposite ends of a room at the same exact time.”
I hope this helps a little. JP
Modeling and hands-on are related, but not the same thing. Modeling is "I do it first and you watch". Hands-on is "You do it and tell me what you have discovered". Lot's and lot's of modeling in Math and Science. I really like what Jessica has provided on how to model. In Math, I may have to model the same process in several different ways. I also have my students model how they work through the process. I learn from them - how they think, what they have learned from me, etc. Often, they come up with ways to solve problems that are new to me!
ReplyDeleteObservation is a great way for everyone to learn. You are right where children and babies learn through observation, and mimic the behavior. Even as adults, we take our social cues through observation.
ReplyDeleteYes, cognitive modeling, does include hands-on modeling. With the modeling, the children learn from the teacher showing them, and then they demonstrate what they have learned.