In cognitive psychology, sequence learning
is inherent to human ability because it is an integrated part of
conscious and nonconscious learning as well as activities. Sequences of
information or sequences of actions are used in various everyday tasks:
"from sequencing sounds in speech, to sequencing movements in typing or
playing instruments, to sequencing actions in driving an automobile."
Sequence learning can be used to study skill acquisition and in studies
of various groups ranging from neuropsychological patients to infants.
According to Ritter and Nerb, “The order in which material is presented
can strongly influence what is learned, how fast performance increases,
and sometimes even whether the material is learned at all.” Sequence learning, more known and understood as a form of explicit learning, is now also being studied as a form of implicit learning
as well as other forms of learning. Sequence learning can also be
referred to as sequential behavior, behavior sequencing, and serial
order in behavior.
In the first half of the 20th century, Margaret Floy Washburn, John B. Watson, and other behaviorists
believed behavioral sequencing to be governed by the reflex chain,
which states that stimulation caused by an initial movement triggers an
additional movement, which triggers another additional movement, and so
on. In 1951, Karl Lashley, a neurophysiologist at Harvard University,
published “The Problem of Serial Order in Behavior,” addressing the
current beliefs about sequence learning and introducing his hypothesis.
He criticized the previous view on the basis of six lines of evidence:
"The first line is that movements can occur even when sensory feedback is interrupted. The second is that some movement sequences occur too quickly for elements of the sequences to be triggered by feedback from the preceding elements. Next is that the errors in behavior suggest internal plans for what will be done later. Also, the time to initiate a movement sequence can increase with the length or complexity of the sequence. The next line is the properties of movements occurring early in a sequence can anticipate later features. Then lastly the neural activity can indicate preparation of upcoming behavior events, including upcoming behavior events in the relatively long-term future."
Lashley argued that sequence learning, or behavioral sequencing or
serial order in behavior, is not attributable to sensory feedback.
Rather, he proposed that there are plans for behavior since the nervous
system prepares for some behaviors but not others. He said that there
was a hierarchical organization
of plans. He came up with several lines of evidence. The first of these
is that the context changes functional interpretations of the same
behaviors, such as the way “wright, right, right, rite, and write” are
interpreted based on the context of the sentence. “Right” can be
interpreted as a direction or as something good depending on the
context. A second line of evidence says that errors are involved in
human behavior as hierarchical organization. In addition, “hierarchical
organization of plans comes from the timing of behavioral sequences.”
The larger the phrase, the longer the response time, which factors into
“decoding” or “unpacking” hierarchical plans. Additional evidence is how
easy or hard it is to learn a sequence. The mind can create a “memory
for what is about to happen” as well as a “memory for what has
happened.” The final evidence for the hierarchical organization of plans
is characterized by "chunking". This skill combines multiple units into larger units.
I have included these explanations above in order to further describe the importance of teaching sequence to young learners through the use of sentence and story printables. Many of these are available on the web for free. Teachers and home schooling parents alike may introduce many educational concepts to their students ages 4 through 8 by the manufacture and study of simple materials like these. Encourage your little ones to color their own mini-books and to also print their name on the inside cover of their minibook.
- Mother Goose Auto Parade - mini book
- Five Little Angels Mini Book
- The Wee Squirrelees by Grace Drayton
- Ten Silly Number Pages for Coloring or Mini Books
More Collections Of Sequencing Printables:
- Two ways to assemble a mini book...
- Print & Assemble Free Mini Books from Crayon Palace
- Does your young student know how to arrange objects according to size? (math sequencing for little ones)
- Mini Books at dltk
- Mini Books at Scholastic
- Mini Books at Super Teacher Worksheets
- Nursery Rhyme Printable Mini Books
Reading Comprehension Strategies: Sequence of Events.
