Module #3

 

Module 4: 

Chapter 9: Complex Cognitive Processes

Summary: 

1) Megacognition: is self-regulation on your own knowledge of how you process information. It is a higher-order knowledge about your own thinking and your ability to use knowledge to manage your Cognitive processing, comprehension, and problem-solving. 

2) Learning Strategies: are numerous strategies one can use in the learning process. Each one has a specific method and usefulness. For instance, repetition, rote learning, summarizing, outlining, highlighting, mnemonic remembering, taking notes, visual tools such as; concept maps, Venn, and tree diagrams.

3)  Problem Solving: is identifying problems, finding solvable problems, turning them into an opportunity, Defining goals, focusing attention or relevance, understanding the words or whole problem. 

4) Critical Thinking and Argumentation: is intentionally bringing your clearest thinking to shape your beliefs and direct your actions on effortful and deliberate cognitive process and reflection on evaluation and available evidence.

- The Goal is to influence beliefs and guide actions.

- Argumentation: involves the process of constructing and critiquing two types of arguments, disputable and deliberate.

5) Teaching for Transfer: involves transferring something previously learned, influences currently learning, and solving problems that affect new problems. 

- The application of learning information to novel concepts.

6) Robust Knowledge: has the main characteristic

1) Deep knowledge.

2) Connected knowledge

3) Coherent knowledge

Reflection:

Even though I listed six different terms that Chapter 9 covered, I would like to focus on just one. This is one that I believe is a gift if you have mastered it or helpful if you understand it. It is Metacognition. I believe it is the most important aspect of one learning. Knowing and consciously realizing how you learn best is an unmeasurable gift you can possess.   

It is the difference between spending hours upon hours on reading and studying, when there may be a better way for you to learn the material. When you have discovered what works best for you, what methods to use for certain learning situations, the outcome can only be positive.

Chapter 10: Constructivism and Designing Learning Environment.

Summary: 

Chapter 10 involves the social context of learning and Constructivism.

- Constructivism is a broad perspective that included two aspects of learning, social and cultural factors that includes two aspects of learning, social and cultural factors. 

- Constructivism: there are two general central ideas: 

1) Central idea #1) this idea is active in constructing its own understanding. They create knowledge by trusting the information provided (Woolfolk, 2019, p. 383; Chi & Wylie, 2014). 

2) Social interactions: are important in this knowledgeable construction process (Woolfolk, 2019, 

p. 383; Chi & Wylie, 2014). 

3) Cognitive Constructivism: is having individuals use information, resources, and help from others

 to build understanding. 

4) Social Constructivists: view learning as increasing our abilities to participate with others in activities that are meaningful in culture (Don, 2016; Wodschitl, 2002). 

- Another aspect in Chapter 10 talked about Technology: Designing Learning Environments in a Digital World. 

- Technology in Learning: Studies show that with computer tutorial programs students' test scores increased for K-12, but simulation and enrichment programs showed little effect. 

- There are three types of uses for Technology in the classroom:

1) Design technology-based activities

2) Virtual learning environments

3) Blended learning; combined virtual learning and in-classroom instruction 

Reflection:

I believe the increase in Constructivist environments has increased considerably since computer technology has allowed for virtual instruction. Online classes have taken over the college experience forcing students to take more personal responsibility for their education. They must be actively and consciously involved with using the information, resources, and time management with critical attention. Especially with shortened classes. 

Technology in Education has also increased exponentially. There are so many different Technological Educational programs. Even in K-12 Education, there has been a significant expectancy in the student's use of virtual, online, or tutorial educational programs. The increase in 2020 due to Covid-19 set the stage for schools to continue with those programs, given the parents more of a role in their students' education. I believe it is a good thing if the parents take an active role in helping them, but if they are absent from that role, I would think that many elementary students will fall behind with more virtual education. 

Chapter 11: Social Cognitive View of Learning: 

Summary:

 

Social Learning Theory: emphasizes learning through observation of others. It is active learning through reinforcement and punishment of your own behaviors. 

Social Cognitive Theory: Theory that adds concern with cognitive factors such as beliefs, self-perceptions, and expectations to social learning theory. 

Observational Learning: is learning through modeling or observing others. 

Modeling: is changes in behavior, thinking, or emotions that happen through observing another person 

Triadic Recipricol causality: An explanation of behavior that emphasizes the mutual effects of the individual and the environment on each other.

Reciprocal Influences in Learning: There are three main that factors in constant interaction with each other. 

1) Behavior Factors

2) Person Factors

3) Environmental Factors. 

This is again a self-directed learning and self-regulatory skills are critical in online courses today. 

- Albert Bandura stated we had to take charge of our own learning. He called this Self-directed and Self-development. 

Reflection:

I am a self-learning person. I only need to watch my time management more closely as the Education classes are usually only 5-6 weeks in length, therefore the amount of time to do schoolwork has been decreased dramatically. It is a good thing that I am a visual learner because with COVID the past year more and more students are taking classes online where the internet on cable or elsewhere is prevalent for my dog to eat.

I am a visual learning and learn from watching others and coming to my own conclusions about the class assignments and what is necessary to use for my self-regulated instruction.