Using the educational theories in chapter four, the approaches are quite different. The cognitive information processing theory treats the learning like a computer. With this approach, teaching students to calculate/compare product costs is relatively straightforward. We would simply present them with data and instructions for their series of calculations, with an expectation of memorization and processing. We would teach them the steps in the process, so they could then integrate them into their sensory, short term and long term memory, and then process the information. But the expectation would be that they would function like calculators, and compute. If they didn't understand, we would provide more examples, more diagrams, more data, more visuals, more strategies, more information to process.
On the flip side, the behavioral learning theory suggests that constant, immediate behavior modification is what is needed to improve learning. Not more data, but more feedback. Yes, no, right, wrong. An immediate answer, not more information, but more responses. Observe and respond. This is the critical part - we must watch and address the behavior, positive or negative, at all times.
In Chapter 14, we learned about performance improvement. I love this - my former life was in the corporate world, so I'm familiar with Stephen Covey and his whole concept of "sharpening the saw" which is a continuous improvement cycle. My current school is focused on Visible Thinking and a Culture of Thinking, which means that we are constantly in our classrooms using language where we stop and think about what we are doing, look and discuss what is happening, see, think, wonder, ask questions and dialogue. It leaves a lot of room to examine places for improvement. One routine we use often is "I used to think...now I think." There are many thinking strategies we use to extend how we think, that can be broadened to improve our skills, activities, etc.
The podcast I listened to is one that I actually listen to somewhat regularly. It's called TeachThought - it's a podcast focused on teaching, critical thinking, technology and the future of learning. They focus a lot on STEM and emerging tech, new developments and new kinds of thinking. It's very interesting. The episode I listened to was a two-part series about personalized learning. You can read more at http://www.teachthought.com or I subscribed through iTunes by searching for Teach Thought.
I find social bookmarking quite interesting. Pinterest is also a type of social bookmarking - it's a visual pinboard that effectively does the same thing. I use it to pin a lot of my ideas and plans for my classroom. This was the first time I was exposed to del.icio.us, but I can see the value in it. I have been using my own Pinterest boards to share and/or steal ideas with other teachers for years - it's a great resource for lesson planning. Many teachers post their Teachers Pay Teachers lesson plans and materials there, and other free lessons and ideas, and it's a great visual way to share. I can see students using other social bookmarking tools to share as they're working on projects, etc.
I have tried and tried to sign up for a delicious account since Thursday. Unfortunately, the join link takes you to this blank page. In researching, I found out they've been acquired yet again, and the site will be read only starting June 15th. I don't believe they're allowing any new accounts. You can read more here. Feel free to look at my pinterest - linked above - it's similar conceptually, but more visual rather than text-based.
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