Processes That Support Learning
Who knew that learning and retaining material could be so lengthy and involved? Who remembers learning to tie their shoes? Or better yet, who remembers trying to teach YOUR CHILDREN how to tie their shoes? After reading Chapter 4 and studying how people learn, I wonder if any of us know anything. So many facets go into our brain function,, and if just one of those things isn't working correctly, then we have a good chance of not learning.
There were three critical pieces of information that stood out to me. I included a fourth part along with those three in the infographic below. Metacognition is our ability to regulate our behavior, including our emotions and relationships with others. Our executive function is that part of our brain that gives us the ability to do higher-order thinking. Think about analyzing, reading between the lines, and the ability to be a self-starter. Self-regulation goes along with being a self-starter, but it also includes attention control, behaving appropriately in different situations, and controlling our impulses.
I added memory as a fourth element to this information because our memory holds all three of these together. If we lose our memory, all of these other brain functions also fail. Think about our Alzheimer's patients or people with sundowners as they struggle with memory and, therefore, their other behavior management and executive functions decline.
Connecting these three learning principles brings us back to Guara’s commentary on the importance of a creative learning environment. Guara mentions exploring multiple avenues of learning that reach each area of our brain to create those lasting memories and create lasting neuropathways. Growth mindset, hands-on exploration, and fostering curiosity are all key ideas.
ISTE Standard 1.3, the Knowledge Constructor, ties in perfectly with my infographic below. The construction of knowledge is an intricate part of a child’s development and progress through school and throughout life. Finding ways to create content, piece together different learning tools, and build are all aspects of this standard.
I really like what you said here, especially the part where you added how crucial memory is because it is what holds the other brain functions together! It makes so much sense. Self-regulation really stands out to me as crucial as well; without it you can't take whatever knowledge and experience you have and apply them in an appropriate way. The best of ideas won't be received by your audience if you lack the social cues to deliver them in a meaningful, suitable way.
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteWell stated! In teaching high school, we have talked a lot about metacognition and self-regulation for our students. We have been trying to teach these skills to our students to support learning. This includes giving time for reflection, helping them come up with to-do lists, and talking about what behaviors are appropriate at what times.
Thanks for sharing!
Claire
Excellent job! Self-regulation is such an important skill, and as a pre-k teacher I see so many students who come to school struggling with this. The first part of our day in my classroom is always to talk about a self regulation skill and help the students learn strategies to help them with self regulation.
ReplyDeleteLike others said, self-regulation stands out to me also. I see in so many ways in my classes, how students are not very good at self-regulating. I am talking everyday about how to check ourselves and make sure our minds are good and in check with ourselves, before we are mad at others.
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel. I really appreciate your take on this assignment. I am used to working with older students and your info here gives me insight into younger minds. Thanks for your work.
ReplyDelete