As I continue on the pursuit of acquiring knowledge and skills to be an effective Instructional Designers I have come across quite a number of resources on the brain and learning, information processing theory, and problem-solving methods during the learning process. Some have stood out for me because of the questions I ponder as I continue to reflect on neuroscience and information processing.
Eric Jensen in his article “Brain-Based Learning: A Reality Check” lauds advances made in neuroscience and even acknowledges the implications for teaching and learning. However, in the same breath, he also cautions on the interpretation and use of such findings. He highlights research and topics that can be both applied to the classroom and also have a lot of connections with “learning, memory, schools and staff development”. This is a very balanced approach to the discussion of the implications of neuroscience on teaching and learning. The article was written for Educational Leadership and was retrieved from Walden University research database.
Jensen, E. (2000). Brain based learning: A reality check. Educational Leadership, 57 (7), 76-80.
Another educational psychology article which I found informative article is “Why Minimal Guidance During Instruction Does Not Work: An Analysis of the Failure of Constructivist, Discovery, Problem-Based, Experiential, and Inquiry-Based Teaching” by Kirschner, Sweller and Clark (2006). The basis of the argument presented here is the “The relations between working and long-term memory, in conjunction with the cognitive processes that support learning” (Kirschner et al, p. 76). Some interesting discussions include links between two learning theories, cognitivism and constructivism and how the framework for cognitivism affects constructivism. All of this information is then linked to the mode of instruction toward problem solving be it guided or unguided and how either of these strategies imply on problem-solving skills and subsequent transfer of skills. This article was retrieved from Walden University research database.