Activity 4.1: Input, Sensory Registers, and Pinker

           The information processing theory states that learners actively select the most relevant information, organize it so that it makes sense, and integrate it with appropriate existing knowledge through our sensory registers in order for meaningful learning to occur.  Pinker talks this complex process in depth in our assigned chapter, especially the way that our previous experiences affect the way we perceive information.

We must be active learners according to this theory.  This is important for the classroom, because there are so many things that can interfere with learning, be it outward (i.e., people walking in and out of the classroom) or inward (i.e., a sensory processing difficulty).  Most people don’t ever think about how many things can impede learning, even teachers, which can often lead to problems for the teacher, the learner, and the entire class.  So many factors can influence our sensory registers, including attention, perception, sensory limitations, meaningfulness, the psychological environment, and the duration and intensity of instruction or experiences, to name a few.  The implications of how these factors influence our learning are important for teachers and educators in general, as they can give explanations as to why children may be having difficulties.