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Lecture 1:�Topic 5-6

Dr Tan Kok Wei

ELC612

Learning and Cognition

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of the lecture, you should be able to:

  1. Evaluate different theories of learning (T1, T2, T3, T4) and apply them in teaching
  2. Help learner improve their ability of stay attentive, retain information (T4)
  3. Defend the importance of constructivism in learning (T5)
  4. Distinguish thinking and metacognition (T6, T7)
  5. Help boost critical and creative thinking (T7)

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Constructivism

Constructivism ☞ learners actively construct understanding of the world through experience and reflection, rather than passively absorbing facts

  • Social constructivism argues emphasize the importance of social interaction, language, and cultural context
  • Zone of Proximal Development = optimal "learning window" that can be achieved with the guidance of "More Knowledgeable Other“
    • Scaffolding = tailored support provided to help a learner master a new concept or skill

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Applying Constructivism

  1. Incorporate hands-on activities
      • Collaborative learning and team works
  2. Encourage expression of ideas and comments
      • Ask question
  3. Observe and provide support when it’s needed
  4. Check the clarity and specificity of the instructions
  5. Put learning into (social) context

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Metacognition

  • Metacognition (thinking about thinking) = our awareness and active control over one’s own cognitive processes

MC Knowledge

MC Regulation

About oneself as a learner: “I learn best in silo”

Planning – set goal, select best strategies

About the task: “Take more time to learn math > Malay”

Monitoring – track progress and performance

About the strategies: “Should use flashcard for vocab, and visualization for science”

Evaluating – assessing outcome upon completion

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Metacognition

  • Metacognition (thinking about thinking) = our awareness and active control over one’s own cognitive processes

MC Knowledge

MC Regulation

About oneself as a learner: “I learn best in silo”

Planning – set goal, select best strategies

About the task: “Take more time to learn math > Malay”

Monitoring – track progress and performance

About the strategies: “Should use flashcard for vocab, and visualization for science”

Evaluating – assessing outcome upon completion

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Applying Metacognition

  1. Ask questions before (“what’s LO”), during (“am I focusing”) and after learning (“how to improve”)
  2. Verbalize internal decisions
  3. Teach with in simple language (to your family and friends)
  4. Organize topics into 3 categories ☞ KWL Chart
    • What you know (K)
    • What you want to know (W)
    • What you learned (L)

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Question?

End of T5 and T6