1. Constructivist Approach (Sociocultural Approach)
Learning occurs through social and cultural experiences
VYGOTSKY
“Zones of proximal development” – scaffolding from adults or peers
Culture and cognition is bidirectional – mediated through interaction with others
Student-centered learning
Authentic learning opportunities

2. The Information Processing System
Memory
The Information Processing System

4. Think about your mind being like a computer
Storing information
Think about your mind being like a computer

5. Sensory Memory Sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch from environment
Held and processed
Large capacity
Short duration (1-3 seconds)
Information is selected and organized for further processing
PEA: perception, expectations and attention

6. Sensory Memory PERCEPTION Physical representation of stimuli +
Existing knowledge =
Meaning
Bottom up processing
(Features  Whole)

7. Top down processing(Existing knowledge and expectations)
Sensory Memory
EXPECTATIONS
Top down processing(Existing knowledge and expectations)
Left side close their eyes
Right side close their eyes

10. Guided by what we know and what we need to know
Sensory Memory
ATTENTION
Selective
Guided by what we know and what we need to know
Necessary for perception

12. What was the hockey player’s number?
Sensory Memory
What was the hockey player’s number?

13. NOT short term memory Short and Small 5-9 items 5-20 seconds Workbench
Working Memory
NOT short term memory
Short and Small
5-9 items
5-20 seconds
Workbench

15. Unless information is ACTIVATED it will be lost Methods of activation
Working Memory
Unless information is ACTIVATED it will be lost
Methods of activation
Rehearsal
Maintenance
Elaborative
Chunking

18. Long Term Memory Knowledge and memories are stored
Infinite amount of information and length of time the information can be stored
Storing Knowledge
Organization
Elaboration
Mnemonics
Meaning
Loci (location)
Visuals
Chain (GBDFA, NESW)
Context
Levels of processing
Rote memorization

20. Sources
Sproule, Wayne. Our Social World: An Introduction to Anthropology, Psychology and Sociology. Toronto: Prentice Hall, 2001.
Educational Psychology and Special Education. Boston: Pearson Learning Solutions, 2012.

21. Reflection
What sorts of strategies do you currently use to help put information into your long term memory?
Are these strategies affective?
Are there strategies from today’s lesson that you think would enhance your learning? Which ones? Explain how you could use them using specific examples.