Information Processing Theory

Information processing theory can be described as one of the 4 learning elements,Information processing focuses on how information is retained from memory. Once a student begins to learn how to read the may be inclined to pick up on implicit and explicit learning. Implicit learning takes place naturally; you learn something without even thinking about it. This is much easier for younger learners to grasp because of repetition or practice. Explicit learning happens on purpose, for example a lesson being taught on bears. That is an intentional lesson.

While thinking about the information processing theory it is easily understood in a model example which includes, Sensory Register, Attention, Working Memory, Encoding (M.O.V.E.R), Long-Term Memory and Retrieval. Sensory Register this is when you are applying what you know about learning through using your senses, here there is no limit when it comes to how much information is learned and processed. Attention is a hard concept to hold on to especially while doing more than one thing at once. It’s crucial to keep yourself attentive to one thing at a time. Often times this is known as the Cocktail Party Effect. It is possible to be in an area and be so distracted that you don’t remember anything once you leave the party or situation. From the Sensory Register you float into your Working Memory, also known as short term memory. Surprisingly working memory only saves up to seven items at a time, it catches the surface information. Most timesthe information retrieved here is recited, repeated but not learned. When keeping up with terms in the working memory it is easy to chuck, rehearse and use prior knowledge. The harder something is to understand, the harder it Is to try to multitask.

Encoding information also known as MOVER. M is for meaning this is when a student takes new taught information and applies it to something you already know. O is for Organization, placing information in a way that can be connected and clearly understood. V is for Visual Imagery is when you form mental pictures of the information. E is for elaboration, and or adding new information on to old. R is for Rehearsal this is the least effective, information does not say in the brain. Following decoding you move to long term memory. Where information is stored forever. 

Motivation

Motivation with students is often hard to with students. Keeping them motivated can often times be a challenging. Within in another class I learned the importance of theories when it comes to education, Motivation was indeed my favorite. Motivation is my favorite thing to talk about when it comes to working with students. Every student needs to be motivated in many different ways. Often times I lack motivation myself but it just depends on what helps to get me through. Motivation for each student is different which is why I love it so much; each child needs something different to get them involved with their learning. When a student is motivated their energy comes from within. There are two types of motivations, intrinsic and extrinsic. When I think of intrinsic motivation I think about an inner drive to achieve. This meanings doing something for internal rewards. They do not need to be a gift or reward present for the student to feel accomplished. When I came to college this was the motivation I grew to learn. Extrinsic motivation is what most students have throughout elementary school to high school even, their environment is what motivates them, knowing there is a reward that will be present once a task is completed. Often what you want the students to grown out off prior to college, began rewards are rare so to stay encouraged it has to be through inner motivations.

The Behavioral Learning Theory this deals with how students learning through their interactive behaviors. The Music Model theory is a great way to think about how to motivate students. Empowerment is about making the student feel they are in control of their learning. I think this is so important, and example of empowerment may be allowing the students to select the type of lesson taught for the day or giving them roles in the classroom. U is for usefulness which is kind of self-explanatory, students love to work when things make sense to them so making a lesson relate to them will keep them engaged in their learning. S is for success, as a teacher wanting your students to be successful is the main reason for any lesson taught.  Interest is capturing the students and keeping them involved. While learning to right lesson plans keeping students interested is honestly the hardest part, there can be students who are easily involved and others who aren’t. Caring, making sure that the students think about their success and that as your teacher care for your students. A mindset is big for Motivation it is all about how you think you can be motivated 

Ways to make keep students motivated:

https://teach.com/what/teachers-change-lives/teachers-motivate/

 http://www.teachhub.com/top-12-ways-motivate-students