Reading Response Week 6 by Tatum Teats

Information Processing Theory

tteats0024 — 2024-10-07 18:02:36 UTC

Information Processing Theory is a theory originating from George Miller's work, studying how we think and learn, including how we take in, store, and use information. It looks at how information moves through our minds step by step.

3 Types of Information Processing Theory

tteats0024 — 2024-10-07 18:09:27 UTC

Serial Processing Theory -

Information is processed one step at a time and in the order received. Information stays in short term memory until new information comes in, then the previous information is transferred to long term memory or is discarded if no longer relevant.

Parallel Processing Theory -

Multiple pieces of information can be processed at once, not only sequentially - this argues against concept of limited capacity.

Hierarchal Processing Theory -

Different levels of complexity exist within our thinking processes. High level tasks require more complex processing while low level tasks do not.

Real Life Examples

tteats0024 — 2024-10-07 18:15:48 UTC

Some examples we can look at that demonstrate information processing theory are driving, learning a new language, and problem-solving.

Driving requires processing multiple pieces of sensory information in order to make safe decisions while on the road. Learning a new language shows us how newly learned vocabulary starts in short term memory, then is transferred to long term memory as we practice and repeat them. Problem-solving often uses hierarchical processing, which means that different tasks need different levels of complexity. Simple tasks can be solved easily, while more complicated ones require more thought and advanced strategies

Stages of Processing

tteats0024 — 2024-10-07 18:17:36 UTC

Encoding - Giving meaning to information that is coming in - this must happen before information is stored in short term memory
Storage - information that is being stored in short term memory while it is being processed before moving to permanent storage in long term memory
Retrieval - accessing stored information from either short or long term memory
Transformation - making information useful for things such as problem- solving

Limitations

tteats0024 — 2024-10-07 21:14:06 UTC

Some of the critiques of Information processing theory is that it ignores emotion and creativity and may be too simple.

Despite these criticisms, information processing theory continues to be a valuable resource for understanding how we think and for enhancing educational practices.

Theory of Multiple Intelligences

tteats0024 — 2024-10-07 21:18:56 UTC

This theory was created by Psychologist Howard Gardner and suggests that people have different kinds of intelligences. People often times will possess more than one kind of intelligence, but will be stronger in some of them compared to others.

The Intelligences

tteats0024 — 2024-10-07 21:27:05 UTC

Visual Spatial Intelligence
1. Good at visualizing things - charts, maps, videos pictures
2. Recognize patterns easily, enjoy reading and writing, enjoy visual arts, enjoy puzzles
Linguistic Verbal Intelligence
1. Use words well when writing and speaking
2. Enjoy debating or giving persuasive speeches, use humor when telling stories, are able to explain things well
Logical Mathematical Intelligence
1. Reasoning, recognizing patterns, and logically analyzing problems
2. Think conceptually about numbers, relationships, and patterns.
3. Good problem solving skills, like abstract ideas, enjoy scientific experiments
Bodily Kinesthetic Intelligence
1. Good at body movement, performing actions, and physical control
2. Good hand-eye coordination
3. Excellent physical coordination, enjoy creating things with hands, remember by doing rather than hearing or seeing
Musical Intelligence
1. Good at thinking in patterns, rhythms, and sounds
2. Have a rich understanding of musical structure, rhythm, and notes
3. Enjoy singing and playing instruments
Interpersonal Intelligence
1. Good at understanding and interacting with people
2. Communicate well verbally, see situations from different perspectives, resolve conflicts in group settings
Intrapersonal Intelligence
1. Good at being aware of their personal state
2. Enjoy analyzing theories and ideas, have excellent self awareness, understand basis for motivations and feelings
Naturalistic Intelligence
1. In tune with nature and want to explore their environments
2. Categorize and catalog information easily
3. Dislikes learning unfamiliar subjects that have no connection to nature
Existential Intelligence
1. Ability to dive into deeper questions about life and existence
2. Have long term outlook, strong interest and concern for others

Limitations

tteats0024 — 2024-10-07 21:29:23 UTC

Many critics of Gardner's Multiple Intelligences theory state that the concept is too broad and that these different "intelligences" are merely personality traits, talents and abilities. There is also a lack of supporting empirical research.

Lessons for Teachers

tteats0024 — 2024-10-07 21:36:18 UTC

Gardner believes there are two key lessons educators should take away -

Teachers should recognize that each student is different and adjust their teaching methods to reach everyone effectively.
Any skill, concept, or subject should be taught in a few different ways.