Planning for the classroom includes more than just your own models and approach! You also have to consider the physical boundaries and weight of learning and education!
Memory
Memory is an important part of learning and, well, memorizing information. Memory works in three different categories: short-term, long-term, and working memory. First, information is processed in short-term memory, and then must be encoded and processed into working memory and possibly consolidated into long-term memory. For a more scientific look into how memory works, you can click here. You can also view the video below to learn more and test your own memory.
As the semester continues, there will be much more on this topic as I take on balancing content, technology, and student work load. Memory and cognitive load are heavily interconnected. If the cognitive load becomes to great, memory itself begins to malfunction and create stress and anxiety for students. There are several ways mentioned in the following sections to help alleviate the weight of learning.
Chunking
Chunking is a teaching method that allows for information to be presented in chunks, composed of small, digestible amounts of material and knowledge. Notable tactics include grouping in threes, which humans, in general, are drawn to and find easy to store together in the memory, as well as the concept of chunk, challenge, chew, and chat, which builds open the presented information, allowing time for individual processing before then presenting the understanding to the classroom group as a whole.
Multimedia Principles
These principles were developed by Dr. Richard Mayer and revolve around the way information is processed, and encourages the pairing of words and multimedia, to promote easier digestion of concepts, and association of the topic with an image. This method employs both visual and auditory processing, creating less stress than just relying on one source of information that the brain must process into memory. In addition to the link at the beginning of the paragraph, the adjacent video feature Dr. Mayer discussing his theory and these principles, as well as their application to the classroom.