Learning theories: adaptive control of thought

This article has been written by Steve Wheeler, Associate Professor,

Plymouth Institute of Education.
He writes about John Andersons ACT-R model of memory in the framework
of theories that relate to teaching and learning. This model is named
Adaptive Control of Thought- Rational and is a cognitive theory of learning
that is concerned with the way memory is structured. This model is an
adaption of ACT model and is made up of three main components:
Declarative Memory, Procedural Memory and Working Memory.
The Working Memory is known previously as the conscious part of the
memory as Short Term Memory. It is in between the sensory register and
Long Term Memory. The working memory includes visual and auditory
stores. The Long Term Memory includes two forms of memory storage
concerned with Declarative (that is, facts) and Procedural (how to do
something).
For educational purposes, Andersons model points out that teachers should
be aware of that there are different kinds of memory. Due to the fact of the
working memory is limited, we might pay attention to avoid overloading this
memory with too much information. Conversely, teacher should encourage
our students to combine knowledge and actions because a combination of
thinking and doing can be a powerful mix of activity to deepen learning in
just about any subject area.