Some useful things I found while researching for my thesis. This is from The Myth of the Learning Machine by John M. Heaford, 1983. I'm focusing on Chapter 2.
The role of feedback in learning is the correction of mistakes. It does almost nothing for reinforcing positive behaviors, so it is not the technique for students approaching mastery, but for students just beginning. Studies have shown that immediate feedback is more effective than delayed feedback. Kulvahy and Yekovich created a model for student response to feedback on quizzes that goes something like this:
1) Study the material
2) Respond to question at initial confidence level
3) Obtain feedback
* Answer correct?
** Was initial confidence level high?
*** Yes: Do nothing.
*** No: Study item to increase understanding.
* Answer incorrect?
** Was initial confidence level high?
*** Yes: Look over material and locate source of error.
*** In both cases: Study item to correct error.
This is one reason why games are such good teaching tools. They provide immediate feedback, causing the player to start over again if he fails.
I also find it beneficial to understand how the mind works and where my strengths are ahead of time so I can no whaat it takes to truly understand the item I want to learn. For example, it takes me about three times or so seeing an item so that it will stick in such a way that I can identify that object on a multiple choice test, and sometimes once if I have previous familiarity with the object. Then if I want to be able to recall the object I have to add in motion and sound so that I can make connections with time in space and a verbal representation so that I can be certain to be able to recall and work with the item of reference.
ReplyDeleteStep one: Identify learning strengths and weaknesses.
Step two: Concentrate on strengths.
Step three: identify how well you need to know object.
Step four: implement knowledge to be of maximum benefit... :) That is my list...