About Learning; Information Processing Theory, Problem Solving, and the Brain

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.