Learning Theories: A Cognitivist's Approach

Principles of the Cognitivist Learning Theory

As with behaviorism, cognitive psychology can be traced back to the ancient Greeks, Plato, and Aristotle. However, it wasn’t until the late 1950s that the cognitive revolution became evident in American psychology. Jean Piaget developed the major aspects of this theory and is one of the most noted for his work with cognitivism.

Under this learning theory, theorists perceive a learners mind as an information processor with short-term and long-term memories, including working memory, and the assumption of learning is information transmission and processing. This can be more easily translated as the learner receives information, stores information into short-term memory, and transfer of information from short-term to long-term memory through practice provided by the teacher. Cognitivists’ theories differ from the behaviorists’ view that stimulus-response alone could form the basis for higher order learning. Instead, cognitivists are more concerned with the internal processes that take place during learning. Cognitivists believe students can learn passively sitting still and absorbing knowledge rather than by actively manipulating and testing the results of their inquiries. Finally, it is concluded if the student has the same statement or reasoning in his/her head as the teacher or as it appears in the text, then learning has occurred.

Roles of the Cognitivist Learning Theory

Student Learning

· Passively engaged

· Information receiver

· Memorizer of knowledge or rules taught by teacher

· Respond to questions given by the teacher

Teacher Responsibility

· Information deliverer

· Learning environment controller

· Has to ensure on prior knowledge or skills students have and decide on appropriate skills and learning objectives

Pros and Cons

The cognitivist approach views the teacher as a facilitator (deliverer) of information and the student as the receiver of information. In this approach, students rarely have an opportunity for active engagement in learning. Most often, students sit passively as information is delivered. This does not allow for students to work with manipulatives or explore learning in differentiated styles. Learning is viewed only when students can apply knowledge back to teacher in the same way it was given to them.

Computer Uses of the Cognitivist Learning Theory

· Tutorial software (work one-to-one with student much like student-teacher)

· Simulation software

· Problem-solving software

· Multimedia encyclopedias & electronic books