Addressing the Recognition Networks
We can attend to learners' Recognition Networks by providing options for:
- Perception
- Language, Mathematical Expression, and Symbols
- Comprehension
Provide Options for Perception
It's important to provide options for how learners perceive information. Consider how you can provide options for your learners.
Strategies
When you are providing textual information, offer different reading levels and structures. All texts are not created equal. The reading level and structure of a textbook is different from the reading level and layout of a website, journal or news article. Word clouds are great conversation starters because they inlcude all of the key characteristics of a concept.
Text Options Include:
- Textbook
- Websites
- Journal articles
- News articles
- Text versions of lectures
- Word Clouds
Non-Text Options Include:
- Video
- Audio
- Images
- Diagrams
- Infographics
- Graphic Organizers
Provide Options for Language, Mathematical Expression, and Symbols
Just as learners vary in ways they best take in information, they also vary in their familiarity with vocabulary, acronyms, mathematical expressions and symbols. Provide text alternatives to familiarize them with these concepts.
Strategies
- Pre-teach vocabulary
- Provide alternative text descriptions for graphic information
- Preteach and highlight mathematical expressions or equations
- Accompany symbols with text support
Provide Options for Comprehension
Another way that you can address the Recognition Networks is providing comprehension support for your learners as they take in information.
Strategies
Strategies for improving text comprehension include providing:
- A purpose for reading
- An introduction to establish context
- Guided questions to focus learners on important points and concepts
- Reading or viewing guides
- Graphic organizers for notetaking
- E-versions of texts so students can customize according to their preferences
Strategies for readings, lectures, or videos include:
- Activating background knowledge
- Clarifying misconceptions
- Highlighting relationships and critical features
- Connecting new ideas to existing understandings
You can also improve comprehension by supporting vocabulary development. Strategies for vocabulary development include:
- Providing new terms ahead of time
- Directing learners toward resources like glossaries
- Telling learners why it's important to be familiar with discipline specific terms
- Creating "check your understanding" quizzes
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