Students are using flexible knowledge that is applied in many different ways. The way it is stored in the learner’s brain helps determine how that knowledge is retrieved for specific situations. My first reaction to this theory is we are combining:
innovation + problem-based learning = cognitive flexibility knowledge
Like constructivism it builds on what students already know. Spero’s theory has both advantages and disadvantages. I can see where teachers would oversimplify the concepts they are embedding into the inquiry. Also, Spero suggests we make these lessons case-based as well. He is throwing so many theories into one agenda, it would be very time-consuming to build these cases for the K12 learning environment. I can see where they are ideal for medical training or some other high-risk environment, where all the learners will have the opportunity to test their knowledge without the loss of human life as an outcome.
This theory could be toned down to use in the secondary English/Language Arts classroom, especially when role-playing using historical events and key people who played a hand in those events. I can imagine using this to integrate English, History and research and the role-playing or writing parodies would be the flexible knowledge piece of the lesson. An example of this would be the Simpsons television cartoon – the writers often create parodies that mimic historical people and events but put a modern twist on it using their knowledge of human adaptability and transforming the setting from a distant time period to a current state.
Web-based tools that I would leverage into the activities I build into this model include but are not limited to:
Collaborative writing
Interactive video, slideshow, mash-up or story creating
I agree, it seems as though this theory is combining several different theories that we have already learned about. It seems as though it would take a while to develop a model such as this because of the complexity. However, I do see how it would be beneficial for students to construct their own knowledge while applying it in various contexts. Additionally, I like the example you presented about using this theory in an English class. It would be a great way for students to view how English, history, research, technology, etc. connect and can be used to learn certain concepts. Great resources too!!
ReplyDeleteI also agree, that CF is a combination of other learning models. I think this is what also adds to the complexity of designing CF modules. I feel it is important to work in teams when designing CF modules. The different and diverse backgrounds of team members will help create and foster different perspectives. I also feel the CF model would work better in higher education, than in elementary grade levels.
ReplyDeleteKristy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting the links. I feel they provide some tools to make CF work.
Kristy, after going through our own CF model with the Plantation Letters project, I realize how complex developing one is. The developer would need to have extensive knowledge of the subject in order to find the necessary resources for learners to use. I, too, agree that this type model may be "way over the heads" of our students; but toned down, could be used as you suggested for English and/or Social Studies to learn more about historical persons. Thanks so much for your post!
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