Cognitive Thinking Theory

I believe concept mapping and the cognitive learning theory is highly relative. First and foremost we would like for the information we present for the students to be life-long and for the students to retain information long-term. We learn in many different styles but the bottom line is learning. The cognitive learning theory is a theory of learning that includes text, images and yes the use of concept mapping, so yes there is huge correlation between Concept Mapping and the Cognitive Learning theory. What is concept mapping? Here is what Novak states; "Concept maps are graphical tools for organizing and representing knowledge. They include concepts, usually enclosed in circles or boxes of some type, and relationships between concepts indicated by a connecting line linking two concepts."The final item that was discussed in the article, The Theory Underlying Concept Maps and How to Construct and Use Them included the statement "Concept mapping has been shown to help learners learn, researchers create new knowledge, administrators to better structure and manage organizations, writers to write, and evaluators assess learning." This is truly what it all about for all of us as educators.

Behaviorism in the Classroom!

Dr. Orey has discussed in the video that behavior is said the be dead in the classroom. He explains experts think that the classroom is no place for behaviorism. After reading this week's resources I feels that the correlation between behaviorism and education is strong. I say this because as a new teacher I find myself hearing other teachers say these four principles that James Hartley (1998) describes.

In terms of learning, according to James Hartley (1998) four key principles come to the fore:

• Activity is important. Learning is better when the learner is active rather than passive. ('Learning by doing' is to be applauded).
• Repetition, generalization and discrimination are important notions. Frequent practice - and practice in varied contexts - is necessary for learning to take place. Skills are not acquired without frequent practice.
• Reinforcement is the cardinal motivator. Positive reinforcers like rewards and successes are preferable to negative events like punishments and failures.
• Learning is helped when objectives are clear. Those who look to behaviourism in teaching will generally frame their activities by behavioural objectives e.g. 'By the end of this session participants will be able to...'. With this comes a concern with competencies and product approaches to curriculum.

In addition, as a staff we meet to discuss how to make our objectives clear and precise. There two objective mentors that grade and evaluate the teachers objective s on a weekly basis. This is the reason I feel that behaviorism is very strong in our schools today.

Reference:

• The Behaviourist Orientation to Learning located at http://www.infed.org/biblio/learning-behavourist.htm

Class Reflection

Reflection, In what ways has this course helped you to develop your own technology skills as a professional teacher? This course has provided a foundation of knowledge in regards to my personal technology skills. Before, this course were very elementary. I did not understand the depth of technology and the implementation of technology in the classroom. I now have a grasp of the impact technology has on education. In what ways have you deepened your knowledge of the teaching and learning process? I have learned that students can learn from my different avenues. Students have multiple intelligences and learn at different rates. Through this course I have found that teachers need to utilize technology as it provides teachers with options to reach our students. In addition, I have found that teachers can learn from students and the "new" technology that they are using currently. This will keep teacher relevant to students.

In what ways have you changed your perspective from being teacher-centered to learner-centered? Before this course I felt like all the pressure was on me to come up with all lesson plans and manipltives. I also have found that in the classroom students have take responsibility for the education. The use of technology has created a since of self-discovery for my students and have changed the environment.

In what ways can you continue to expand your knowledge of learning, teaching, and leading with technology with the aim of increasing student achievement?

I will continue my professional development as I will be completing my Master's program. Technology is forever changing and keeping recent with the technological moment is a MUST for growing as a teacher. I plan to discover new and informative ways to implement technology into my classroom. Resources are a the biggest difficulty for my classroom and beginning to find alternatives means will be a priority for my development a s a teacher.