Tuesday, April 29, 2003

 
New Technologies - New ways to learn
In The Nature of Learning (1997), Lawrence Lowery presents a highly readable account of a conception of learning based on studies in cognitive science, but also reflecting observations commonly expressed by teachers - his simple summary is that:


Learners construct understanding for themselves.
Understanding is to know relationships.
Knowing relationships depends upon prior knowledge.
He draws these implications for criteria in choosing teaching resources and strategies:

Knowledge is more likely to be constructed in enriched environments which encourage interaction and inquiry - lectures/ demonstrations are relatively lean in this regard.
The quality of knowledge-construction depends on how well the brain organizes new information, especially in terms of relationships with prior knowledge; isolated bits of information tend to be forgotten.
The impact of incoming data and the strength of subsequent concept-formation is enhanced in a high-interest interactive environment facilitating linkages to prior knowledge.