Educational Psychology
Teaching Resources

Cognitive Theories of Learning

Cognitivism Webquest

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Step-by-Step Process

Task 1: Spend some time browsing through the sites below to learn about several contemporary theories of learning

Brain-Based Learning http://www.funderstanding.com/brain_based_learning.cfm
Right-Brain / Left-Brain http://www.funderstanding.com/right_left_brain.cfm
Learning Styles http://www.funderstanding.com/learning_styles.cfm
Multiple Intelligences http://www.funderstanding.com/multiple_intelligence.cfm

Task Two: Choose one of the following learning problems (or create one of your own).

Learning Problem One

Quite a few of your students are having a hard time staying on task during math class, Some of them doodle in their notebooks during instruction; others appear to be daydreaming rather than listening. Nobody is causing a distraction, but they just don't seem to be learning the material you are presenting. You are worried that these kids will miss information that is critical to their success this year.

Learning Problem Two

Every year your sixth-grade class studies world history. There is so much ground to cover and the text book is so information-rich; the students complain they can't possibly learn it all. Your year-end test indicates that your students really aren't retaining much information. You want this year to be different. You want your students to be excited about world history and to remember what they have been taught.

Learning Problem Three

The principal has asked you to teach your second grade students a good chunk of the Declaration of Independence for a patriotic program. The students have been trying hard to memorize the words, but they are having a very difficult time. You don't feel as though this task is developmentally appropriate for these kids, but you know you need to comply with the principal's request.

Task Three: Applying principles from one of the cognitive theories of learning above, suggest a learning strategy that will be useful in solving your chosen learning problem.

Task Four: Write a short summary of the strategy that you developed. Include the following components:

Your Name & Class Section	Include at the top of the page.
General Information	State which learning problem and which cognitive theory you have chosen to use.
Learning Strategy	Write a paragraph or two about a learning strategy you would use to try to solve this learning problem.
Summary	Briefly explain why you think this would be a good solution to your students' learning problem.

Educational Psychology Teaching Resources