My Cognitive Connection 
Cognitive Science, the theme of the third course in my Masters program, is proving to be both very interesting, and equally challenging! The idea of studying how students think in order to best serve them is something that most people in a position to teach (whether as a trainer for corporate America or a classroom teacher)need to consider. After all, the brain is a maze of twists and turns, with each corner containing the secrets to the very essence of who we all are.
Over the past three weeks, I have learned of many topics concerning Cognitive Science, that I find present within my position as an ESL teacher. One of the first ones that I will briefly discuss is the idea of AI (Artificial Intelligence). Now, I know what you must be thinking: Human-like robots taking over the world? Not quite! AI is not just a film directed by Steven Spielberg. Although the film, which was a about a robot boy’s desire to be human, plays with the idea of creating robots who look and sound very human-like, the reality of AI is not as romanticized. In fact, we do not have to look hard to find evidence of AI. It surrounds us in our everyday lives. AI is present when we travel to destinations unknown, being guided by navigational devices. We also are exposed to AI when we buy the latest in electronic devices such as cell phones and tablets. As a teacher, the most significant displays of AI are present in the classroom.
Programs that help students to write and read better, are becoming a steady presence in schools. Voice recognition programs are becoming increasingly popular with students, as well, who have learning disabilities, ” Voice recognition software has become important, too for special education students which prohibit them from using standard computing methods” (Donnelly, 2008).
With all of the benefits and advances in AI in the classroom, it is hard to forget that AI is exactly what it states, “The science and engineering of making intelligent machines, especially intelligent computer programs” (Donnelly, 2008). We cannot forget that a computer’s intelligence, is man-made. Therefore, unlike the characters in the film AI, real-life AI is emotionless and is entirely at the mercy of its programmers. So, unfortunately for all you science fiction buffs, there will be no robot apocalypse.
The next subject in Cognitive Science that I will be discussing is the idea of mental representations.
This refers to the concept of the Computational Theory of Mind, which “According to which cognitive states and processes are constituted by the occurrence, transformation, and storage of information-bearing structures(representations) of one kind or another” (Pitt, 2012). This theory refers to how the brain stores images from past events. Those stored images become filed away.Through mental representations, we are able to recall a certain smell from those past experiences. Also, because mental representation is believed to be what stores imagery and experiences, we also are able to imagine what has never happened and what may be an inaccurate mental image, such as a zebra having tea with a lion. Such an event can never happen, but through recalling pieces of that scene from what has previously been stored, we are able to create images of absurd fictions.
As it pertains to logic, rules, and concepts, mental representations act as a computer disc drive. Information becomes stored and filed away. When particular pieces of information is needed, our brains are able to search through the files and access information pertinent to a particular situation or experience, “Cognitive theorists have proposed that the mind contains such mental representations as logical propositions, rules, concepts, images, and analogies that it uses mental procedures such as deduction,search, matching, rotating, and retrieval” (Thagard, 2014).
One could imagine, then, how important it is, for someone in the position to teach, such concepts are. If the brain is one giant computer with which we all take bits of information and file away until needed, then spending time having students recall stored knowledge through pre-teaching activities, is something that every teacher should have in their arsenal of effective teaching strategies.
As I teach ESL (English as a Second Language), building on my students’ prior knowledge, an idea referred to as schema is something that I have come to rely on, as I teach students from diverse nationalities. Each with their own varying degrees of their knowledge of the English language. Without knowing what they have stored, be the amount large or small, I would be lost, “Activities in pre-listening and post-listening phases play a crucial role in facilitating EFL learners’ listening learning since these activities provide the learners with chances to utilize their schema, what they had already known before, to learn and build new knowledge and schema” (Mai, Ngoc, Thao, 2014).
Lastly, what blog on Cognitive Science would be complete without mentioning the ever so popular learning styles? This refers to how one best takes in information. People fall under one of three categories (with many falling under more than one) with regards to how the learn best. The categories are kinesthetic(hands-on learner), auditory, and visual. After completing the NC State LSI (Learning Styles Inventory), it confirmed what I have suspected throughout my career as a student: that I am both a visual and kinesthetic learner.
In the classroom, I try to appeal to the different learning styles of my students by incorporating as many real-life materials, or realia, that I can. I also make use of videos and and other forms of multimedia when introducing a new concept to them. I have been a student and teacher in different countries. I think because of the experiences I have had, I am able to relate to my students. I know, for instance, while living in Budapest, Hungary, immersed in a Magyar(Hungarian) language course, the teacher (who knew very little English), was of the most help to me when she brought in visuals, or when I engaged in role plays with other internationals.
I think that, as educators, whatever your arena may be, delving into the concepts of Cognitive Science will help to improve not only your teaching approach, but the quality of the information you put out for your students.
Useful resource link!!!
http://www.cte.cornell.edu/teaching-ideas/engaging-students/learning-and-teaching-styles.html
References
Donnelly, M. (2008) Artificial Intelligence in Schools. Research Starters: Academic Topic Overviews.
Mai, H.L., Ngoc, B.T.L., Thao, T.V. (2014) Enhancing Listening Performance Through Schema Construction Activities. Journal of Language Teaching and Research. Vol. 5 Issue 5, p.1042-1051, 10p.
Thagard, P. (2014) Cognitive Science. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved from http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall 2014/entries/cognitive science/
Apple Pie ELLs 