Cognition & learning

OSU Center for Teaching and Learning

Fall 2012

Dendrites grow throughout our lives

Different parts of the brain are responsible for different

functions

Humans are uncomfortable with ambiguity

Human brains seek patterns

Brains organize information into schematic frameworks

Frequently used connections become thicker and more efficient

Learning is a synchronized process

Humans link new information to their existing schema

Culture Teaches

Brains associate new information with prior knowledge

The brain trusts the practical world more than the abstract

Working memory is 20 minutes

Humans link new information to their existing schema

The procedure is quite simple. First you arrange the items into different groups. Of course, one pile may be sufficient depending on how much there is to do. If you have to go somewhere else due to lack of equipment, that is the next step; otherwise, you are pretty well set. It is important not to overdo things. That is, it is better to do too few things at once than too many. In the short run, this may not seem important, but complications can easily arise.

Emotions and the Senses Influence Memory Storage

Learning is strongly influenced by attitudes and perceptions of…

The Classroom Climate Acceptance by the teacher Acceptance by peers Comfort and order of the classroom

Classroom Tasks Value Ability Clarity

Self-perception Influences Learning

Do I value feedback?

Am I sensitive to the feelings of others?

Open minded?

Do I seek clarity in my work?

Ignite the brain in several regions to enhance retention

“Understanding” has Degrees of Depth

DOK -1 Ability to recall and remember things

DOK-2 Basic application of knowledge: illustrating relationships

DOK-3 Strategic Thinking (requires reasoning and or strategy) Multiple answers possible

DOK-4 Extended Thinking-multiple sources (Describe the most significant effect of WWII on the nations of Europe)

Webb, 2005

the brain needs to take breaks

Learners need time to associate and integrate new information

Student work

is the window into the student’s thinking and

learning process