Discuss Readings

Some questions/issues to consider while discussing the reading by Langer.

What are some examples of somethings from your own classroom (as a teacher, or from your students) that are examples of the kind of mindless learning Langer has described.

What are some example from your own life of mindless learning.

What can you do, as teachers to prevent any of this?

Cognitive Science Introduction

Powerpoint introducing the various flavors of cognitive perspectives on learning.

Activity + Lunch

Today's internet search topic is information processing. The assignment for this section is to develop a concept map. The group and task assignment is as follows:
History of information processing: Schizophrenics
Memory/Attention: Under Construction
Knowledge Representation: Count-esses
Expertise: Aardvarks
Learning as a cognitive process: Grean Beaners

All the computers in the lab should have Inspiration. Those using their own machines can download a trial version by going to the Inspiration web site. Spend some time discussing how drawing a concept map with a piece of software constrains or liberates you to think about these issues. Does technology help or hinder what you are trying to achieve? Is it easier to construct a concept map with pencil and paper?

Finally export your concept map(s) from inspiration as a JPEG file and save this file (these files) on to your group page (web page if you have one, or blackboard if you do not).

This project is due on Monday.

Afternoon Technololgy ...

Inspiration and Perspiration

Readings

Campbell, Cignetti, Melenyzer, Nettles, Wyman (2001). How to Develop a Professional Portfolio: A Manual for Teachers. Chapter 1 and 5. Boston: Ally and Bacon.

Homework

Think about what you might want to see on your portfolio by the time you graduate this program. What needs to happen between now and then to make this possible?