These two men tested mice where they had two options to choose from. One was a white electrical box and the other was a black electrical box. The “correct” choice was the white box. When the mice chose the black box, they were shocked with either a weak, medium, or strong stimulus. Results found that when the weak and strong occurred, mice were not as apt to learn as quickly. However, when the medium stimulus occurred, mice were apt to learn quickly (Yerks, Dodson).
This can be applied to teaching and students because when students are highly stressed, learning and motivation are not productive. When students are bored, learning and motivation are not productive. The strength of the stimulus or curriculum cannot be too hard because it will decrease motivation due to anxiety and/or disorganization. Learning will not be as productive. However, the curriculum cannot be too easy either because it will also decrease motivation due to sleepiness and/or boredom. Therefore, curriculum must be in the middle. It should challenge students just enough to get the motivated in doing the work. When the curriculum provides just enough stimuli, students will be motivated to learn and they will learn better. When students are anxious or bored, learning decreases. Students are motivated by becoming engaged in what they are doing. When students are motivated and engaged, they are at the optimal level of learning. At this level, their cognitive abilities increase.
What do I do when I have many different types of learners in my classroom? Some learn at a different cognitive level then others so if I taught “medium” curriculum, some students ability would cause them to be either bored, or stressed. How is this managed in the classroom?
ReplyDeleteHave the students do different tasks. For example, let the students choose what book they will be reading for a certain unit. They will be able to choose a book that fits their cognitive level. Or after you're done teaching a "medium" curriculum lesson, ask who understand and who doesn't. The students who understand can move on to small group work (or whatever they choose) while you work with the students who don't understand quite yet. Peer teaching is also valuable. To answer the next question, it's managed by a safe environment, cooperation, choice, collaboration, and a very skilled teacher ;) It takes practices but once you get it, you've got it forever.
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