Instructional Strategies and the Cognitive Learning Theory

Cognitive learning theory is all about how to move information stored in short-term memory to long-term memory. Daily our students are presented with new information. Without the proper skills to preserve this information, it gets lost. Dr. Orey said that our brains are only capable of processing up to seven or eight pieces of information at any given time. (Laureate, 2008) After 15 minutes of lecture, much is already lost. Good note taking skills prevent the loss of information and offers greater retention.

As a music teacher, note taking has been a point of frustration for me. The authors say that “…teachers rarely teach it [note taking] explicitly as a skill in itself.” (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. 2007) When presenting new information, I am often asked if what I have just said is important enough to write down. I struggle with whether or not I take the time to teach the skill or just keep moving on assisting them as much as possible. When I taught elementary school, I discovered that using “teacher-prepared” (Pitler, H., et all, 2007) notes gives students the guidance to know what is important.

Another tool presented this week to assist students in information retention is concept mapping and virtual field trips. In our DVD program, Dr. Orey presents a history class taking a virtual field trip to Ford’s Theater in Washington, D.C. (Laureate, 2008) Too often, our students read about historical events or far off places and are given only one or two photos in the textbook to associate with what was read. With a virtual field trip, students can travel through time and place to get a first hand view. Underline that view with a strong concept map with teacher-prepared notes, and students will have a shared experience worth remembering. Dr. Orey says this type of “elaboration” (Laureate, 2008) is what students need to round out the cognitive learning theory.



Laureate Education Inc. (2008). “Cognitive Learning Theory.” Baltimore, MD: Laureate Education Inc.

Laureate Education Inc. (2008). “Virtual Field Trips.” Baltimore, MD: Laureate Education Inc.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.