After a week of online learning, I learned a theory that is useful for memory。
The dual coding theory believes that the human cognitive system is composed of two sets of codes, Verbal Code and Nonverbal Code. Experiments show that non-verbal coding (pictures, onomatopoeia) has better free recall effects, and verbal coding (text, sound) has better sequential recall effects. To give a simple example: the learning effect of coding in two forms is better than the effect of coding in one form. For example, when memorizing the English word “apple”, simply repeat it, only verbal coding, the memory effect is not good enough, if you hold an apple in your hand while reading the word, the memory effect will be better, this is the effect of double coding.
Extraneous Processing
This kind of cognitive processing has nothing to do with teaching goals and is caused by poor teaching design, such as the use of many texts and pictures that are irrelevant to the teaching content.
In order to improve teaching design and efficiency, a species theory was proposed to Five Principles for Reducing Extraneous Processing-coherence, signaling , redundancy, spatial contiguity and temporal contiguity.
lukejr June 9, 2021
Interesting ideas. Dual coding is pretty much everywhere once you begin to see it. Plus now I am hungry for an apple!
ky0076518 June 12, 2021
Hi Yukunliang,
I agree with you. I feel the same way in my daily life. For example, I can remember the plot more easily by watching the movie of the hobbit than reading the novel of the hobbit. This proves that the combination of pictures and text can help people remember things. It’s true that irrelevant information can be a distraction. Content irrelevant to the subject should be reduced or eliminated in teaching. Your articles are enjoyable to read, easy to understand and accept. Thank you for your sharing.
Best,
Yan