Informing Myself about Info-Processing

We've started to talk about the Information-Processing Model. The teacher used this model while introducing the method to us. She gave us a puzzle to solve, which is what you do when using IPM. The puzzle had to do with decided which teacher seemed to be the direct instruction teacher and the indirect instruction teacher. We took features from each teacher and matched them up to their model. The teacher taught using IPM to show us how it actually works in the classroom. It showed us how we could use IPM in our own classroom. We were able to connect different resources a teacher had in their room to what type of method they use to teach. For instance, desk setup in a "U" shape tells me the teacher is more IPM then Direct Instruction. Also, materials like computers, magazines, and videos tells you the teacher may use more IPM methods in the classroom. We were able to take this information and solve the puzzle by connecting what we knew about IPM and what goes on in classrooms that use IPM.

IPM is an indirect method of teaching. The teacher is a facilitator. The students work on their own. They are given a puzzle or question to solve. The students go on their own to formulate their answers. It seems like IPM is a really fun and interesting method to use in the classroom. It engages students and helps them reach higher levels of thinking according to Bloom's taxonomy. 

We were given an assignment to make a treasure hunt using a strategy having to do with IPM. I decided to do my treasure hunt on Project-Based Learning. PjBL is when students complete projects to learn about something in depth. They work on their own without the teacher drilling information into their heads. The students create projects, which demonstrate their understanding. The treasure hunt helped us develop a project using IPM. This assignment helped us work on a lesson that used IPM while we learned about another strategy of IPM. The assignment showed me how to set up a lesson using IPM. By sending out other professionals on a hunt for information, they are participating in IPM because they are given resources and have to find out answers and informations to help them reach a consensus.

I am excited to learn more about IPM so that I can use it in my classroom. I want to know how to assist my students to reach higher levels of thinking. I want to create a fun learning environment for my students so they stay and engaged and learn an abundant amount of information. 

This diagram serves as a model to show us how humans process information. I thought it was helpful to view this diagram because it gave me a better understanding of how information gets to a person and where it goes in their memory, either long or short term. 

After we completed learning about information processing, we had to develop our own lesson plan. I really enjoyed creating this lesson plan. So far, this is my favorite method. I developed a lesson where students would be given pictures of two different types of plants from two different habitats. Then, they will need to explore on their own the parts of each plants from each habittat. They will need to compare and contrast the parts of each plant to see if they are the same or different. Then, they have to create a project explaining the similarities and differences they discovered on their own. I feel that I have gained a developed understanding of the IPM by doing a lesson plan that incorporates this template. I now know how to incorporate this method in my classroom. It will help me to help my students achieve a higher level of knowledge. They will also be able to work with

Wrapping Up DI and Moving on to the Next Method!

I enjoyed learning about direct instruction. It is a way to teach that I was familiar with because I think most of my teachers taught this way for the most part. Unfortunately, these weren't always the most entertaining classes.

Direct instruction is the perfect method to use when you are teaching a totally new concept or skill to students. This method is very useful because it helps reach automaticity through memorization. The teacher can introduce the new concept or skill, then help "drill" it into the students head as they practice it.

Direct instruction is a method that only deals with Bloom's first level of knowledge.There is no room with the direct instruction method to move up levels or expand knowledge. There is no room for students to question either. There is no way for students to eventually reach metacognition because they are stuck just memorizing and not connecting what they are learning to anything else.

These reason make it so important that teachers do not teacher just using only direct instruction. One, it can become extremely boring for students, and they will fall off track. Also, it does not help students explore their creativity and discover any of their multiple intelligences. Teachers should add variety to the the class to keep students interested and help them reach the highest level of thinking, metacognition. I always enjoyed the classes where you didn't know what to expect and the teacher was creative and fun. I want my class to feel that way also because I think my students would get the most from every lesson.

I am glad we have learned about this method because it definitly is important and needs to be used when introducing a new concept or skill. I am making a promise to myself that I will only use direct instruction when I am teaching my students a new skill or concept. It is easy for teachers to fall into the habit of using direct instruction often, because it is easier sometimes. Teachers must remember that although it is easy, it is not a good way to expand your students knowlege.

I am excited to see what the information processing model is all about. It seems really interesting. I feel like I may like this method of teaching more than direct instruction because your helping students learn through questioning and experimenting. The method seems like the exact opposite of direct instruction. I am anxious to see what this method is all about so I can use it in my own lesson plans!