Module 3.4

Understand the value of structured learning

Discover what the role of the tutor is in developing knowledge structures

Learn techniques to improve students’ knowledge structures

Researchers refer to the interconnected networks that store information in a person’s long-term memory as knowledge structures

A person’s ability to process information and solve problems depends on The size of one’s knowledge structures The number of connections between structures The strength of connections between structures The organization of relationships

Makes it easier to retrieve information and use it to solve unfamiliar problems

More and stronger connections between pieces of information make it possible for a student to use one piece of the network to get the entire pattern

Assist the tutee in reinforcing the connections in their knowledge networks and forming new connections for new information

Expert Large, well

organized networks with many strong connections between a variety of items stored in long-term memory

More adept at finding patterns and using them in new situations

Novice May have large,

unorganized networks with few connections of material in long-term memory

Less able to use old information for solving new problems

Help tutees to move from their status as novice to expert in the way they learn

Work with the tutees to develop more sophisticate knowledge structures

Understand the basics of structure

Develop background knowledge in the subject

Organize new information in whatever way works best

Review what the tutee has learned

Give the tutee plenty of reading material Adds to the number of pieces of knowledge the

student has in short term memory Move the information into long term

memory by reviewing old materials often Have tutees practice using the knowledge they

have learned to solve new problems This ensures connections between pieces

of information are strong and helps students link new pieces of information to old in many ways

Help the tutees learn to use several methods to help organize their knowledge

Some optional methods Graphic organizers Outlining Summarizing information Color/shape coding Sound association Grouping

Ask tutees to summarize what they have read

Ask tutees to put information into their own words

Compare and contrast specific information

Apply old ideas to new situationsStrengthen old connections and

create new ones within their knowledge structures

Begin each session with a short review of old material

Present new material in small steps and provide an opportunity for the tutee to practice after each step

Give clear and detailed explanations and instructions

Ask lots of questions and allow the student sufficient time to answer each one

Guide the student during the initial practice

Give frequent constructive feedback

Remember that it is important to give tutees frequent opportunities to answer questions and explain the material in their own words

Gives opportunities to correct any misconceptions the student may have before those ideas are stored in the long term memory

Present material in small steps then check for understanding after each one

Key to storing material is developing meaningful knowledge

Encourage students to use all available resources to help organize their knowledge

Create connections between old and new material

Strengthen connections that already exist

What is the difference between an expert and a novice learner?

What are the three basic components of structuring learning? Explain.

What other things do you think encourage structured learning?