Memorization
This entry is based on the Memorizable.org entry in the February 15th edition of the Instructional Technology Update. In this edition, three questions are posed.
- With the vast amount of information that is available to us through technology and access to the internet, what do we still need to have our students memorize?
- Are we asking them to memorize information that can more easily be accessed elsewhere?
- Do we get hung up on the memorization of facts as the expense of higher level thinking and creativity?
You can comment on these questions by using this blog, if you’d like.
I think we do het hung-up on memorizing lots of facts at the expense of the higher level thinking. I have long been using formula sheets for my students in geometry for areas and volumes. I think it is more important for them to spend the time being able to practically apply and use the concept of area and volume than to get hung up on a problem because of a formula. I think they need to understand what the formulas are and how to use them and where to find them if they need to recall one. I guess this is the one area that PSSA and I agree. They have formula sheets for student use.
Posted by on 02/15 at 03:02 PM
Next entry: SMART Board
Previous entry: Yahoo! Time Capsule