A number of cognitive processing models are considered and utilised within my planning for effective learning. These models give insight on how students learn and how higher order thinking can be encouraged in every lesson.
Bloom's Cognitive TaxonomyBloom's Revised Cognitive Taxonomy is perhaps the most well know or most used cognitive processing model. A simple table which summarises the taxonomy along with descriptive, observable actions is used to write learning objectives, that go beyond initial, simple recalling of knowledge and further challenge and enrich student learning with more complex tasks.
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Three Story Intellect ModelThe Three Story Intellect Model is also an hierarchal approach to cognitive thinking however, it is presented in a more simplistic format. It categorises cognitive processes in three different stages:
The theory proposes that one story people are 'fact collectors'. Two storey people are those who compare, reason and generalise based on their acquired knowledge. These people are able to reflect and refine their work. Finally, three story people are those who imagine, create and predict. |
Ideally, my students are able to learn in the 'third story'. However, it would be naive to expect students to arrive on the top storey, able to hypothesise, predict or evaluate without first showing them the staircase. Therefore, when developing learning activities, assessment tasks and assessment outcomes, I use the Three Story Intellect Model as a check list to ensure that activities are both appropriate, challenging and engaging.