As I searched the internet and Walden Library I found numerous references to the human brain, how information is processed and experiments that were conducted to prove theories. The first resource was retrieved from a website called Educational Psychology Interactive. The paper, titled The Information Processing Approach to Cognition, focuses on theories regarding the manner in which individuals sense, process, and retain information. Huitt identifies four main theories that attempt to explain the phenomena of learning; Stage Theory, Levels of Processing, parallel-distributed processing, and the connectionist theory. Each these theories explore the possibilities of how information is processed from the sensory memory (STSS) to the short-term or working memory and finally to long-term memory, signifying that information is actually learned. Huitt also describes the general principles involved in information processing, such as the capacity of the mind and the flow of information (bottom-up vs. top-down). The paper is very in-depth and as I was reading it I found myself recalling information from our course text regarding the same topics. The basis of any learning in my opinion is repetition. The theories explained by Dr. Huitt all have one thing in common, repetition. By constant exposure to material (old or new), individuals can recall information more readily and begin the process of chunking and opening up capacity within the mind. It is an excellent read and will serve as a great resource when I need a refresher on information processing.
The second reference was found by use of the Walden Library. It is an article in Computers & Education entitled Cognitive Learning Efficiency Through the use of Design Patterns in Teaching. You will need your Walden ID to get to this one. This article explores the use of design patterns as a learning tool. Alexander described a design pattern as something that “describes a problem which occurs over and over again and then describes the core of the solution to that problem, in such a way that you can use this solution a million times over, without ever doing it the same way twice” (as cited in Kolfschoten et al., 2010). This goes right along with the idea of chunking, categorizing information into a larger schema which allows for more memory capacity. The article focuses on design problems such as structures, roadways, and engineering problems. I can assure you that this is an excellent way for me to learn and I completely agree that this approach can enhance learning in all levels of individuals and education. Three different experiments were explained that dealt with experienced and inexperienced designers and how a pattern of learning affected the responses of the individuals. Again, I saw the theories that we are currently discussing in our class put into effect. By controlling parameters that theorists know a better understanding of learning and information processing can be achieved to better explain how memory and learning work together.
Both of the articles will be a great aid as I continue my education. By referring to these and associating the content within these articles a better understanding of how the brain works will be acquired. I can use this knowledge in my own learning as well as educating others. These are excellent reads and really engrave what we are discussing this week into my mind. I hope you find them educational as well.
Enjoy!
Justin
References
Huitt, W. (2003). The information processing approach to cognition. Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State University. Retrieved March 12, 2010, from http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/topics/cogsys/infoproc.html
Both of the articles will be a great aid as I continue my education. By referring to these and associating the content within these articles a better understanding of how the brain works will be acquired. I can use this knowledge in my own learning as well as educating others. These are excellent reads and really engrave what we are discussing this week into my mind. I hope you find them educational as well.
Enjoy!
Justin
References
Huitt, W. (2003). The information processing approach to cognition. Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State University. Retrieved March 12, 2010, from http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/topics/cogsys/infoproc.html
Kolfschoten et al., (2010, April). Cognitive learning efficiency through the use of design patterns in teaching. Computers & Education , 54(3). Retrieved March 12, 2010, from http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B6VCJ-4XG3D63-3-1&_cdi=5956&_user=7754736&_pii=S036013150900270X&_orig=search&_coverDate=04%2F30%2F2010&_sk=999459996&view=c&wchp=dGLzVtb-zSkWb&md5=fd099d1744214a8741547b8d006c2a0b&ie=/sdarticle.pdf
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