Hind Rifi

ID: A2112620
Dr. Samira Nicholas
EDUC341
Learning Environment Analysis

“Math About You” is a YouTube channel that creates educational videos explaining
math lessons. Their videos range from 5 to 25 minutes depending on the class level
and the intensity of the lesson. The video chosen is an animated video about
“Subtraction by counting back” for grade 1. It is approximately 6 minutes. The
platform they chose to post their content on is YouTube, which is a free and easy-
access platform. Therefore, students can watch the video whenever they could. The
speaker starts by asking the students to count backward from 10 and then from 20.
The numbers appear on the video as the speaker and students count backward. Then
the speaker introduces the idea of a subtraction equation. She explains that the bigger
number should be written first and that students should demonstrate the smaller
number on their fingers. Lastly, the students are asked to count backward to find the
answer.

There are serval theories that apply to this video that helps students understand and
obtain the information given. The instructor starts by letting the students recall
previous knowledge that they know, and that is counting backward. She later uses this
previous knowledge to solve a problem that is subtraction. She is applying the
Constructivism theory. The constructivism theory is when learners reflect upon
previous information and experiences and build new information around them
(Vygotskians and Piagetians, 2000). The second theory is multimedia theory. This
theory depends on using media such as videos or graphics to deliver and simplify a
learning objective (Mayer, 2017). This video has all the characteristics that fit in the
cognitive theory of multimedia learning since it is using an online media platform
such as YouTube and encoding an animated video with an auditory explanation. The
third theory is the “Dual Coding theory”. The Dual Coding theory is using two or
more stimuli (verbal and nonverbal) to help learners encode or process information
and recall them easily later. This theory helps learners transfer information from their
short-term memory to their long-term memory (Paivio, 2006). In this video, the
students are able to see the graphics in front of them and listen to the explanation from
the educator. Therefore, they are using two stimuli that apply to the dual coding
theory, which are verbal and non-verbal stimuli. Since the video is for grade 1
students, the load of information should not be extraneous. The video contains very
straightforward and simple information in order to make students process easily,
especially given their age level.

Based on my observation, this video includes the essential theories that will deliver
the objective to the students. However, this video alone is not sufficient. To begin
with, for students that are in grade 1, the video should have used more age-appropriate
visuals to capture the learners’ attention. The video could have been more interactive
and given examples from real life for students to relate to. For example, if the video
included a problem-solving word problem at the end of the video, it would have
encouraged the student to know more. Most importantly, the video just explained the
idea of subtraction without including any application. The students did not a chance to
practice what they have learned. To conclude, the video explains straightforwardly
and simply the idea of subtraction using counting backward. It may deliver the
concept, but not in an interactive and motivating way. Teachers may use such a video
as a warm-up or reinforcement video in a lesson plan.

References

Mayer, R. E. (2017). Using multimedia for e‐learning. Journal of Computer Assisted

Learning, 33(5), 403–423. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12197

Paivio, A. (2006). DUAL CODING THEORY AND EDUCATION.

Vygotskians and Piagetians. (2000, July 28). Vygotsky, piaget, and education: A reciprocal
assimilation of theories and educational practices. New Ideas in Psychology. Retrieved
March 13, 2023, from
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0732118X00000088?
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