Information Processing Theory Essay Example for Free

Information Processing Theory Essay Information processing is a theoretical approach used to analyze human behavior (psychology) and learning processes (education). Information processing, in the pedagogical perspective, may be defined as the process of acquiring knowledge based on memory structures and information in different stages of information or mental processing. (Think Quest Team, 2007) It deals with thinking, storing, remembering and forgetting information. (NSW HSC Online, 2007) Information processing and the cognitive learning theory are closely associated with each another. This is because their propositions are similar in content. Information processing theory emerged at the dawn of the computer age (Hall, 2007). This theory suggests that memory and computers have common features. Moreover, it proposes that perceived information goes through three stages within the memory structure: sensory registers (where information is perceived and processed through the senses), short-term memory (where information is shortly stored and encoded), and long-term memory (where information is stored for easy retrieval). (NSW HSC Online, 2007) There are several principles that support this theory. First, there is an assumption that the capacity of the memory is limited. This means that at times, there may be barriers that affect processing of information. It is advantageous to identify why there is difficulty in information processing. Through this, resolutions may be formulated to address this issue. Second, there is a need for control mechanism. Control mechanism directs the extent of use of memory capacity. For instance, new information may require more processing than the regular day-to-day tasks. Third, information flow is two-way. We acquire information through our senses, process it in our memory in the same way that we create responses in our memory, and carry them out through our senses. Fourth, the genetic make-up of humans is meant for information processing. For instance, infants do not learn to think from other people. Their curiosity allows them to think and develop their senses. (Huitt, 2003) Information processing applied as an approach in the classroom setting, gains broader meaning and undeniable importance. The theory recommends a variety of techniques and methods to make teaching more efficient. Information processing also provides several tools and procedures that teachers may use to enhance thinking skills and extend mental capacity among the students. The learning process through information processing starts with the activation of schema, defined as the state of existing knowledge structures prior to the introduction of new information. Schema is often altered to accommodate new information. Therefore, new information related to the learner’s schema is more meaningful to them. (NSW HSC Online, 2007) Activation of schema is followed by acquisition of new information by the learner. Information processing postulates that in processing and in the retrieval of information, it is necessary to ensure that information is significant to the learner for him to be able to relate previous knowledge or schema to new information. The information is processed to fit schema, or in some instances to complement schema. The information is then stored in the long-term memory for future retrieval. There are also various key concepts to remember in applying information processing theory in the classroom setting. First, it is easier to remember significant information. Learners remember information that is interesting and relevant to their personal lives. Second, words are easily remembered based on their position in the text. For instance, words written in the beginning and in the end are easier to remember than words written in the mid area of the text. Third, repetition is efficient for memory retention. Memory retention is best improved through repetition and practice. Fourth, learning should be systematic. When learners make lists to organize lessons learned, information is easier to remember. Fifth, much effort should be exerted in processing information. Information that is processed in depth is easily stored in the long-term memory. Sixth, information processing is affected by schema. If information does not relate to a person’s schema, then there would difficulty in information processing. Lastly, there is a necessity to provide advance organizers for students. Advance organizers aids and prepares the learner for the next lesson. (Huitt, 2003) In the classroom setting, the teacher must come up with a lesson plan that follows a thorough procedure. Systematic procedures must be followed in information processing because there are limitations to memory capacity and thinking processes. Teachers must make sure that purpose of the previous step is achieved before moving on the next step. For instance, activation of schema comes first before the processing of information. To follow this step, the teacher must first provide stimulus that catches the attention of the students. Consequently, the learner perceives and processes this information in his sensory registers and short-term memory, allowing him to respond to the stimulus. The next step is to ensure that the information you teach is retained in the learner’s long-term memory. This can be achieved by following key concepts previously enumerated. In applying information processing in the classroom setting, keep in mind that its primarily goal is for students to learn by enhancing memory retention and maximizing information processing and capacity. The teacher must be guided with the key concepts and principles governing information processing theory to achieve greater success in meeting educational goals and objectives. References Hall, R. (2007). Information Processing Theory. Retrieved November 22, 2007. http://medialab. umr. edu/rhall/educational_psychology/2001/vl2a/info_new. html Huitt, W. (2003). The Information Processing Approach to Cognition. Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State University. Retrieved November

Homosexual and Religion Essay -- Gays and the Bible

The essay by Peter J. Gomes, entitled ï ¿ ½Homophobic? Read Your Bible,ï ¿ ½ can be analyzed in many ways. The essay discusses the issue of homosexuality as it relates to religion. The Baptist minister provides an unexpected approach to the subject. Mr. Gomesï ¿ ½s thesis statement in this essay is, ï ¿ ½The army of the discontented, eager for clear villains and simple solutions and ready for a crusade in which political self-interest and social anxiety can be cloaked in morality, has found hatred of homosexuality to be the last respectable prejudice of the centuryï ¿ ½ (ï ¿ ½Homophobicï ¿ ½ 414). This essay uses effective evidence to prove the thesis statement while also doing a good job of refuting opposing views. First of all, the evidence that is used in this essay is valid. In a formal argument, any assertion must be backed up with specific, compelling evidence that is accurate, timely, relevant, and sufficient. Such evidence can be data derived from surveys, experiments, observations, and first-hand field investigations or from expert opinion (White 5). Mr. Gomes mentions the verses in the Bible in which the information he is referring to can be found so that the reader can check the verse for themselves. This allows the readers to investigate deeper and form their own opinions. The evidence that he cites is taken directly from the Bible. The Bible is his primary source, not another personï ¿ ½s thoughts or another professorï ¿ ½s notes. In doing this, the information is more likely to be accurate and without bias. Three of the verses from the Bible that he cites are found in the Books of Kings I and II. After investigation, I found these verses to merely discuss prost itution, not homosexuality at all. And anyways, as M... ...backï ¿ ½ writing style allows the reader to follow his point closely without forcing it upon them. Mr. Gomes provides valid evidence to support his thesis statement in this argument. Overall, this argument essay is well stated and well written. WORKS CITED Gomes, Peter J. ï ¿ ½Homophobic? Read Your Bible.ï ¿ ½ Good Reasons With Contemporary Arguments: Reading, Designing, and Writing Effective Arguments. Lester Faigley and Jack Selzer. 2nd ed. New York: Pearson, 2004. 412-14. Gomes, Peter J. The Good Book: Reading the Bible with Mind and Heart. New York: Morrow, 1996. ï ¿ ½Peter J. Gomes.ï ¿ ½ 2001. Biography Resource Center. 17 Feb. 2004 White, Fred D., Simone J. Billings. The Well-Crafted Argument: A Guide and Reader. Boston: Houghton, 2002.

The Fall of West Rome

The Roman Empire was attacked by the Goths and the Vandals during 190 AD which started the fall of Ancient Rome wherein different parts of the empire had civil wars that caused further deteriorating of Rome. Different tribes like Goths invaded the country since they want to move south to experienced better climate condition that is helpful to their farming. During this time Rome also has poor emperors that cannot handle the job properly. When Emperor Diocletian ruled Rome, he decided that the Empire should be divided into two so that it will be easier to rule, the Western and Eastern Empire was established in which it has its own leader.The problem that Diocletian faced was that more military barrier had to be created in which the Empire cannot support its cost. The taxes were increased which leads to inflation causing the rise of the prices of commodity which causes the leaders to become unfavorable to the people. The Role of Constantine in the Fall of Rome Constantine became Empero r from AD 307 to AD 337 and he tolerated religion in the Roman Empire although he was not a Christian himself, he gave rights to the Christians. He did not taken into consideration that the new monotheistic religion was at odds with the pagan cults of the emperors.He also moved the capital to a new city Constantinople since he believed that Rome as a city was to far from the fundamental areas from a government level, this move was a bad one since it left the western empire vulnerable. The western empire was attacked by the Ostrogoths thru the eastern empire and the western Empire was attacked by the Goths, Franks, Visigoths and Burgundians. The Germanic Barbarians The Germans were exposed to the Roman world by border trade and serving as support to the Roman legions of the empire. The admittance of the barbarians in the army gave way for the complete â€Å"germanization† of the Roman army.The internal crisis of the Roman Empire makes the things worst and the barbarians realiz ed it and defeated the Romans in the battle of Adrianople in 378 where the Roman Empire fell. The Franks, Angles, and Saxons which are all German tribes have established their agricultural life, the other tribes like the Goths, Vandals, and Lombards were nomadic but compared to the Romans they were less advanced. Romulus Augustulus was the last Roman emperor in the west and was replaced by the leader of Goths, Odoacer in AD 476 which was also the end of the Roman Empire.

The American Revolution Essay - 1373 Words

In the midst of revolution, influential authors Thomas Paine, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson each speak volumes about the clear vision that is to become independent America. It is the work of these individuals that one may accredit the characterization of America as it stands in the present day. In a country built on â€Å"life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,† certain values have been deemed favorable by the founding fathers. American political culture has thus been molded into one representative of liberty, equality, democracy, individualism, and nationalism; each of which Paine, Franklin, and Jefferson advocate for in some capacity through their writings. A memorable founding father of the United States of America, Thomas Paine, wrote with a fiery passion to instill the principals of liberty, republicanism, and nationalism in the hearts of revolutionaries who, like Paine, detested and rejected the rule of the English crown over America. Paine’s pamphl ets and other writings would prove to be a large inspiration and final push to those unsure of the necessity of the American Revolution as they were to-the-point pieces which plainly laid the reasoning behind the events taking place. One of Paine’s most famous pamphlets, Common Sense, expresses an urgent call for a separation and rebuilding process in America in order to create a representative republic in place of a tyrannical monarchy. Paine stresses in this document the negative effects that the crown hasShow MoreRelatedThe American Revolution : The Revolution1367 Words   |  6 PagesThe American Revolution Revolutionizes the World It was the first revolution to majorly succeed and change how people saw their countries, it was the American Revolution. 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