This week I
searched for resources relating to
- · Information Processing Theory
- · Problem-Solving methods and the Learning Process
- · The Brain and Learning
Information
Processing Theory – This article starts with a definition to cognition,
"the act or process of knowing in the broadest sense; specifically, an
intellectual process by which knowledge is gained from perception or
ideas" (Webster's Dictionary). The author describes three types of
information processing. Using the Stage Theory (levels-of-processing) as a
model, the author describes how information is stored in memory. Consider the
following description, “the model proposes that information is processed and
stored in 3 stages. In this theory, information is thought to be processed in a
serial, discontinuous manner as it moves from one stage to the next” (Huitt,
2003). The Human Information Processing Two-Store Model (Ormrod, 2009, pg.50) resembles
the Stage theory model in that there exists an input tied to a sensory register
(receptor) which is key for encoding the data into memory. Additionally, two
other alternative models are presented. The parallel-distributed processing model
depicts concurrently processed information by many different parts of the
memory (Huitt, 2003). The connectionistic model expands upon the
parallel-distributed model to include that information is stored in many
locations throughout the brain. However, it also follows the description of the
levels-of-processing theory in some aspects. Consider the following quote, “It
[connectionistic model] is
consistent with the levels-of-processing approach in that the more connections
to a single idea or concept, the more likely it is to be remembered"(Huitt, 2003). The
website provides a treasure trove of links leading to in depth explanations and
examples for the reader to uncover. The author also provides the following link
for a more in depth discussion of this topic; http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/papers/infoproc.pdf.
Problem Solving
and Learning – Ormrod (2009) states that, “One of the most important types of cognitive
processing that occurs often during learning is problem solving” (pg.110). In
the article, Problem Solving and Learning (Anderson, 1993), the discussion starts
with a basic model of problem solving and continues through representing problem
solving as the configuration that categorizes human thought (Anderson, 1993).
This article had many informative diagrams and figures such as the Application
of Means-Ends Analysis on page 38 and included very descriptive cases such as
real world everyday examples of the theory we might encounter ourselves. This
paper is not the easiest read but it an excellent source of reference.
The Brain and
Learning – The article, Understanding a Brain-Based Approach to Learning and
Teaching (Caine, 1990), offers twelve principles as a foundation for brain
based learning. At the end of each principle is an implication for education
section. This short section summarizes how the principle applies to the
learning environment. For example, Principle eight is, “learning always
involves conscious and unconscious processes”. The implication section
discusses how educators tend to focus on memorization and an overuse and prominence
of this procedure, “interferes with the development of understanding by
ignoring the personal world of the learner, educators actually inhibit the
effective functioning of the brain” (Caine, 1990). This article is an easy read,
informative, presents information in a structured format, and has an almost
technical writing type style.
References:
Anderson, J. R. (1993). Problem Solving and Learning. American Psychologist, 35-44.
Caine, R. N., & Caine, G. (1990). Understanding a brain-based approach to learning and teaching. Educational Leadership, 48(2), 66. Retrieved 9/15/2013 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/224852788?accountid=14872
Huitt, W. (2003). The information processing approach to cognition. Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State University. Retrieved 9/15/2013 from, http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/topics/cognition/infoproc.html
Ormrod, J., Schunk, D., & Gredler, M. (2009). Learning theories and instruction (Laureate custom edition). New York: Pearson.
