Information Processing Blog Post 1

The information processing theory deals with the idea that cognitive processes influence that way we learn, which ultimately allows teachers to consider what students need to learn and also how they can most effectively process the information that they are learning. It is important for teachers to recognize how each of their students processes information individually because individuals are selective about what they pay attention to. In order for students to be able to learn something and store it in their memory, they must be paying attention so it is the teacher's job to make sure they know their students well enough. Also, students bring different types of prior knowledge with them to the classroom, which influences how they process new information as well, so teachers should be aware of this prior knowledge as well. All students will process information and learn differently from one another. The information processing theory has three stages in which memory is processed. This includes, sensory memory, working memory, and long-term memory. Sensory memory involves sensory data, where memory is initially kept and it is unlimited, but held for a short period of time. From sensory memory, information can be processed in working memory, which can hold chunks of information for indefinite time based on how actively it is being used. Finally long-term memory has an unlimited capacity and is permanent. There are ways to retrieve memory through different types of rehearsal and strategies that help one remember like chunking or creating hierarchies. In order to keep students attention, teachers should come up with specific signals to direct students' attention back to what is being taught. 

One question that I began to think of when reading about the information processing theory was that how do students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or other learning disabilities store memory if they have trouble focusing on information in the first place? Is it harder for them to store long-term memory than students without learning disabilities? What is the best way for teachers to help students with disabilities learn and process information based on this theory?

According to the information processing theory, learning is the explanation of how people mentally process information. Learning occurs when information is processed correctly and students are able to retrieve the information they learned from their memory. One implication for teaching is that teachers must consider what students need to learn, as well as how students can effectively process the information they have learned.  

You can hear your name in a crowded room when previously having a separate conversation because your name is something that is your prior knowledge. It is in your long-term memory and you have had people call you this name your entire life, therefore when someone calls your name it is natural to be able to hear it over the crowd of a room.