In cognitive learning, the individual learns by listening, watching, touching, reading, or experiencing and then processing and remembering the information. (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010). Concept mapping supports cognitive learning theory because the concept map is allowing students to learn from listening, watching, touching, reading and experiencing. The students in many concept mapping examples are using real life examples and not only reading about them but seeing them as well. Concept mapping and cognitive learning can go hand and hand because both are stressing the importance of learning through interaction. The concept mapping theory allows students to learn cognitively because of the way the concept map allows classrooms to expand from just their classroom walls and gives the students various ways to understand the concept or material.
The impact of virtual field trips and concept mapping tools has and will continue to change our classrooms. Students have the ability now to receive information from outside sources and it also allows them to share information with each other. Concept mapping is a great tool to organize your thoughts and to present information to your students to help them understand the direction the class or concept is going. Pictures and written descriptions help clear up any confuse the students may have and helps keep them on task. Virtual field trips allow the students to learn from another voice and not just their regular teacher. The students have a greater ability now to understand and use the information because they are gathering information from various sources. A virtual field trip takes your class to a museum or a location that you could never visit as a class but because of this tool the students feel like they have visited the site even though it was just through a computer screen.
Resources:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). Cognitive learning theories. Baltimore, Maryland
I like that you made the point about virtual field trips taking the students down another avenue. It does seem to get boring hearing the same person speak each day. I sometimes do not even like hearing myself speak so much. When my students hear field trip, they get very excited. It is another source of learning which provides such a richer experience for them.
ReplyDeleteConcept mapping can really liven up a lesson and I am glad you wrote about this. Like you said, many times there are real-life examples that students can relate to when working with concept maps which will help promote long term learning. Learning through interaction is a valuable learning experience which supports cognitive learning and thinking. I like how you tied virtual field trips into this as well. It is a nice change of scenery for students and they can really enjoy them!
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