Pattern recognition: a type of learning model that involves acknowledging matching repetitions in an environment and using those repetitions to facilitate the learning process.
Example: Law enforcement agencies use pattern recognition to help them study the criminals they are trying to apprehend.
Resources:
http://cdn.intechopen.com/pdfs-wm/5795.pdf
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/imagine/201103/what-s-the-pattern
Pegword method: a mnemonic device that involves linking words that rhyme with corresponding numbers to memorize information.
Example: Memorize the following rhymes—1=gun, 2=shoe, 3=tree, 4=door, 5=hive, 6=sticks, 7=heaven, 8=gate, 9=wine, 10=hen. Then take a list of 10 items and match mentally to a number. For instance, imagine a grocery list and the first on the list can be pair with the image of it being shot with a gun, like broccoli, the second inside a shoe, like bread, etc.
Resources:
http://www.psychologistworld.com/memory/mnemonics_pegword.php
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RUNgEa_d6o
Perceived competence: This term is used to describe the level at which a learner is confident about his or her ability to learn and or succeed. This has the potential to negatively impact the learning process. This can lead to optimism or pessimism. Some believe that intrinsic motivation can boost perceived competence.
Example: Joanna’s perceived competence on public speaking is abysmal. She does not think she can effectively communicate to an audience thus it is hard for her to memorize a speech when imagining the outcome.
Resources:
http://merl.nie.edu.sg/practip_sport4.html#.VmNAMoRTKhg
Personalized System of Instruction: developed by Fred Keller, this promotes learning through a self-paced atmosphere that emphasizes mastery of material before new material can be learned. This is a step-by-step process that can utilize multiple forms of learning like reading or watching a video.
Example: I create PSI online for people who want to learn how to play guitar. The PSI is set up so that learners cannot move forward until they’ve conquered specific basic skills first and only then can they advance to more complex material.
Resources:
http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/152/233
http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/hrd/history/psi.html
Positive Reinforcement: when defined under the lens of Operant Conditioning, Positive Reinforcement occurs when a reinforcer that is desirable is given. Positive Reinforcement and Negative Reinforcement work the same way in that they both increase the frequency of a behavior.
Example: Every time I go for one month without a speeding ticket my car insurance company gives me a $20 discount on my montly bill. As a result, I do not drive over the speed limit so that I can save $20 on my monthly bill.
Resource:
http://psychology.about.com/od/operantconditioning/f/positive-reinforcement.htm
http://www.wikihow.com/Understand-Positive-Reinforcement
Premack Principle: Also known as Granny’s Rule, this Behaviorist theory states that one can use something that is more enjoyable as a reinforcement to elicit a behavior that is less enjoyable.
Example: I want my little girl to wake up early for school. I know she likes donuts a lot. I decide ro reinforce the less enjoyable behavior (waking up early) by combining it with a more enjoyable behavior (eating donuts).
Resources:
http://www.intropsych.com/ch05_conditioning/premack_principle.html
https://psychlopedia.wikispaces.com/Premack+Principle
Preoperational period: Developed by Piaget, this is one of four stages of cognitive development where a child is between ages 2 and 6. Here they begin to use (sometimes inaccurate) words, images, and actions to describe things.
Example: 5-year-old Jake draws rudimentary stick figures to represent his family.
Resources:
http://www.simplypsychology.org/preoperational.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M244b2aDcz8
Primary reinforcers: These are biological necessities or desires that can be used to promote or discourage behavior. Used in Behaviorist models.
Example: Jack tells his son Joe to eat his spinach otherwise he will go to bed on an empty stomach.
Resources:
http://peace.saumag.edu/faculty/kardas/courses/GPWeiten/C6Learning/PrimSec.html
http://psychology.about.com/od/operantconditioning/f/reinforcement.htm
Problem Based Learning: learning is accomplished through a student-centered problem that is open-ended and does not have specific instructions on how to accomplish it. Teachers are seen as facilitators and not direct givers of knowledge. This can be problematic if students are novices at the type of problem because no resources are available.
Example: I ask students to get in groups and I give them a paper with a scenario that has a problem needs to be solved. I do not give directions on how to solve that problem but might give hints if they get stuck.
Resources: