Cognitive Psychology/Information Processing Case Study Analysis

Case 1:

1.After participating in this activity, what do you think the students will remember? How might those memories differ from those students would have if they only read about the Civil War in their textbook?

A: Students who participate in this activity will remember what war is like. Because they are physically re-enacting the war they will take notice of the long preparations such as setting up camp and cooking. Students who only read about the Civil War in the text book may forget the information they read. The students who re-enacted the war will be more likely to remember because as they participate in these activities they can make connections to any prior knowledge about war. This activity is meaningful learning.

2. How does Mr. West’s use of a Civil War re-enactment engage students’ emotions? What is the relationship between emotions and learning?

A: Mr. West’s Civil War re-enactment will engage student’s emotions. First, many of the students have experienced war in some way. Maybe, a father, brother or other family member has been involved in our current war in Iraq. Or maybe some of the students have even lost a family member to war. Or others watch the war on television and fear for what the future could bring. All the students have experienced the affects of our war in some form. The re-enactment could bring back these memories for the students. Also, as they go through all the activities for some it could become emotional as they experience how difficult war can be as they engage in preparation of the battles.

3. Based on the principles of dual-coding theory, what activities would be effective for Mr. West to use as a follow-up to the re-enactment?

A: Based on dual-coding theory, Mr. West could go further in depth about the civil war when the students come back to school. He could show pictures of the re-enactment that the students experienced and then read certain sections from the text book that further describes the war. Or as he shows students pictures he could read real live accounts of the war and what the people during this time period felt and experienced. He could also show a video clip of the re-enactment and then after ask the students questions such as what did you learn about the civil war that you didn’t know prior. Was this experience difficult for you, what did you feel going through this?

Case 2:

4.Who do you think provides better instruction for his students? Support your answer from an information processing perspective.

A: I feel that Mr. Richards’ class provides better instruction for his students because he is engaging them in different learning ideas such as role-plays, lectures, videos. Overall, I feel that Mr. Richards is giving his students opportunities to experience meaningful learning. Meaningful learning is when students are able to make connections between new information and their prior knowledge. By engaging the students in learning activities such as role-plays, lectures and videos they are able to make connections. These students are more likely to process the information in their working memory. I feel that Mr. Dunkin’s lectures and reading assignments lack meaningful learning. The students experience the same thing everyday. They hear a lecture, do some reading and answer some questions. In my opinion it is less likely that this information will be processed for these students in working memory or long-term memory.

4. How would you expect the students’ learning outcomes to differ depending on which teacher they had?

A: The learning outcomes of the students would differ depending on the teacher they had. The students in Mr. Dunkin’s class would gain skills such as being able to read a text book and answer questions appropriately. (Finding answers) They may become familiar with text book features. For example, bold words and chapter headings. Then those students in Mr. Richards’ class will have opportunities to learn in several different aspects. For example, working in groups and preparing learning projects. They will have opportunities to learn through in class hands on activities. Also, I feel Mr. Richards students will learn how to handle life situations based on how he teaches. For example, each day when the students come to class they do something different. This is how the real world works. Especially in job situations, you do not know everyday what is going to happen at work. Or what problem you will run into next. You deal with things when they arise and Mr. Richards teaches this idea.