2. Blog Assignment: Evaluating and Identifying Online Resources
The Brain and Learning
http://teacher.scholastic.com/professional/bruceperry/brainlearns.htm
This site by Dr. Perry discusses Neural System Fatigue in how learning is affected by stimulation on different parts of the brain and within the process of learning. Without the neurons responding to stimuli, they can fatigue and need time to recover. I like the analogy in the article about comparing neurons to the piano and the organ, where a piano only plays the one note while the organ keeps the sound going when you push down on the key. The same is true with the neurons in response to repartitioned patterns. I found it interesting in a classroom setting when a child is given straightforward information that their brain loses any indication of interest and it fatigues in comparison to learning material that is intriguing and challenging.
Perry, B., M.D., Ph.D., 2011. How the Brain learns best.
Problem-solving methods during the learning process.
http://www.personal.psu.edu/hoh5021/kb/pbl.htm
This site focuses on Psychological Research in problem solving experiences involving both content and thinking strategies, especially with real world problems. The PBL Process provides a list of problem solving supplements including problem scenarios, ID Knowledge Deficiencies, and involves the roles of the student and teacher in collaborating learning. In fostering complex thinking for the student, problems promote fundamental motivation. This article focuses on strategies that facilitators should use with the learning and thinking of students instead of just being subject matter experts. Facilitators are to guide students to foster theircognitive skills in developing higher thinking. The article also lists 5 goals of effective problem solving methods and skills. In the field of Instructional Design, you need to be able to define learning strategies especially if you’re developing content such as problem based instruction.
Hmelo-Silver, C. E. (2004). Problem-based learning: What and how do students learner? Educational Psychology Review, 16(3), 235-266.
Hmelo, C. E., Holton, D. L., & Kolodner, J. L. (2000). Designing to learn about complex systems. The Journal of the Learning Sciences, 9(3), 247-298.
