Cognitivism

Cognitivism Menu

Introduction to Cognitivism Video

Video used with permission from the Masie Center

Cognitive Theories of Learning

Assumption: you can't force someone to learn

Cognitive theory defines learning as "a semi-permanent change in mental processes or associations." Cognitivists do not require an outward exibition of learning but focus more on the internal processes and connections that take place during learning.

The main assumption of cognitive psychology is that there are cognitive processes that take place and influence the way things are learned. Explanations for how cognitive processes work are known as information processing theories or models. The three-component model of information processing is taught in Educational Psychology. It looks something like this:

information processing model

Important classroom principles from cognitive psychology include meaningful learning, organization, and elaboration.

Create an environment where there are lots of manipulatables, tools where they can develop an understanding. An instructor can ask questions to help students refine their thinking and recognize where they may be wrong.

Failure may be considered a good thing as it is a tool to help learners realize that they need to learn more.

Role of the instructor: monitoring their progress, asking lots of questions