Instead of thinking of students in categories that label
abilities and success in the classroom, teachers can understand and reach their
students more effectively if their strengths, challenges, and interests are
considered. In addition, the incorporation of technology in teaching requires
thoughtful planning and considerations.
This lecture touches upon three networks essential to
learning: recognition, strategic, and affective.
Recognition networks are specialized to sense and assign
meaning to patterns or objects we see or come in contact with. They enable us
to identify and understand information, ideas, and concepts. “To support recognition
learning, [one must] provide multiple and flexible methods of presentation”
(CAST, Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age).
Strategic networks help generate and oversee mental and
motor patterns. They enable us to plan, execute, and monitor actions and
skills. Affective networks are dedicated to evaluate patterns and assign them
emotional significance. They enable us to engage with tasks and learning and
with the world around us. “To support strategic learning, [one must] provide
multiple, flexible methods of expression and apprenticeship” (CAST, Teaching
Every Student in the Digital Age).
Rather than falling neatly into these categories, learners
differ within and across all three networks. Considering student strengths and
weakness in the context of the three networks help teachers develop a more
wholesome picture of their students, noticing strengths, needs, and interests that
easily could be missed if students are considered in categories. “To support
affective learning, [one must] provide multiple and flexible options for engagement”
(CAST, Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age).
To start thinking about students’ challenges and potentials
in the framework of the three learning networks, consider whether a given
characteristic relates to their ability to take in information (recognition),
to plan and execute actions or skills (strategy), or to connect and engage with
learning (affect). Then determine whether ithat characteristic is a strength, a need, or a
particular interest.
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