Thursday, April 14, 2011

Cognitive Flexibility Theory.

When initially reviewing the content for CFT, I was honestly confused.  THIS just might be my least favorite of all.  While the CFT has a strong position when considering its usage for Medical knowledge, it does not seem practical in any other manner...to me that is.  While it is important for students to understand how to apply the content knowledge, it is necessary for teachers to have time (once again) for quality lessons to be provided.  The following key elements ARE vital though.

  1. Pretests
  2. Cases
  3. Articles, Training Modules, Websites, Media Site Presentations
  4. Solution
  5. Post-Test
This is honestly how I would alter the usage of this model.  I feel this would be easier to control and use for each UNIT.  In teaching Marketing, it would have to be used for topics relating to Ethics or Target Marketing.  I do not feel that it would be necessary to use this sole model for EVERY lesson. Practical knowledge could be used from examples and applied but in the manner the model presents, I feel this would be very time-consuming to provide within a high school setting. Instead, I feel this would be geared for higher education.

To present this in a web-based manner, it would be highly necessary to use a Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Moodle or a website.  The idea here would be to ensure that the presentation is SIMPLIFIED.  The vast amount of content necessary to accurately reflect the model would need to be presented in a basic manner to not confuse the student.  

1 comment:

  1. Heather,
    I agree, initially I was confused by this model. It is complex. However, when I read the Michigan State article and Dr. Oliver’s Plantation Letters, it was clear to me how universities can use cognitive flexibility. The key elements that you mentioned about this theory would help when teaching with this theory. Using this theory in ethics class would be good because many students need to make quick decisions in relation to ethics.

    ReplyDelete