Use of Cognitive Learning Theories Use of Cognitive Learning Theory

May 20, 2023

in the 20th century, Swiss educator, Jean Piaget, worked at the Binet Institute where he was the person in charge of the translation of English intelligence questions to French. In his years at Binet Institute, Piaget became obsessed with the explanations for why some children answered logically wrong and the other kids answered them correctly.

At the time, behaviorism was the predominant theory psychology. Psychologists assessed children's ability to respond to the types of questions they were asked based on their interactions with their environment.

The year 1936 was the period when Piaget was an advocate of a new theory. He believed that the inner workings of a child's brain determine how they perform with logical questions. The assumptions of Piaget on intelligence were:

  • Children's thinking develops in phases as well as their behaviour changes according to the changes in their mental state.
  • Children's intelligence differs from the adult's regarding quality (not in terms of quantity). The reason is that children perceive their world differently than adults.
  • The children don't only engage in the environment around them but they also keep records about their world and how they tackle problems that require the use of logic.

Jean Piaget termed his line of thinking "cognitive learning theory". Over the years, educators all over the world have used strategies of cognitive learning to help their students to be better learners.

Read it to find out:

What is cognitive learning?

"Cognitive Learning" is derived from cognition, which refers to the mental process of absorbing and retaining information using the senses, being able to think and the experience. The concept of cognitive learning, is a style of education that is focused on maximizing your brain's potential.

Do you remember your days at school during high school. Did you have a subject you just enjoyed? One you found easy to comprehend because it seemed to click for you? Did you have a certain concept or topic that you were difficult to grasp regardless of how hard tried?

Based on Piaget's Cognitive Learning theory, the ability of you to comprehend (or not understand) a certain topic is dependent upon the manner in which your brain processes information that are related to the subject. By using cognitive learning strategies, you'll be able to explore topics that may naturally be difficult for you to understand. Strategies like these help you to make connections between information that is new as well as existing ideas. It improves your capacity to remember and keep the information.

In the present, cognitive learning theory can be divided into two types:

  • Social cognitive theory is the belief that the aspects that people look at and the actions they take affect their behaviour and the rate of their brains' growth with regard to cognitive development. As an example, a child's behavior could be influenced when they observe their teachers or other students. Teachers are therefore encouraged to model their behavior.
  • Cognitive behavior theory: This is a theory that says how an individual thinks actions, feelings and thoughts can affect their ability to understand. As an example, if students believe that they're not good in Physics and believe that they won't be able to grasp this concept, regardless of how they explain in the course, they're likely to feel upset and angry during an Physics class. This could lead to low performance.

Strategies for cognitive learning aim to remove obstacles in learning and to provide alternative (and more personalized) ways for students to learn. Knowing the basics will make you a better (and more efficient) learner and increases your chance of success in everything you commit your brain to.

What is the components of cognitive Learning?

If you're looking to boost some thing (or two things) These are the essential components of development to be aware of:

Comprehension

Memory

Learning by cramming to memorize it is not a successful way to master a subject or master. The cognitive ways for learning hinder it. Through cognitive learning, your goal is to get an understanding of the subject, in order to link new concepts with previous knowledge.

Application

Cognitive learning strategies encourage you to think about the information in your course or lesson and work out ways to apply it to real-life circumstances. This helps develop sophisticated ability to think critically and problem-solving skills as well as the characteristics of a leader which you can use in your the school level as well as on the job.

What's the distinction between cognitivism and constructivism?

Jean Piaget's work on cognition was based on two distinct ideas of cognitivism as well as constructivism. Both concepts are alike in that they concentrate on the cognitive processes which are associated with learning. They are not only being observable in the external world. Yet, constructivism and cognitivism differ with respect to their methods.

In cognitivism, individuals are viewed as beings who can think, analyze and assess the new information, without needing to participate actively with the process. Instead of simply reacting to stimuli from outside and then absorbing the information through their conditioning process they have the ability to analyze and evaluate information and store it inside their brains.

An excellent example of cognitivist learning occurs through lectures. In lectures, all students have to do is sit down in their chairs (or on their laptops) and watch instructors explain specific concepts. Note-taking is beneficial, but for students, they can also passively take in the information the instructor shares without taking notes.

The concept of constructivism, on one hand, supports the belief that people can process and analyze data according to prior knowledge and experience. In other words, people are actively creating their own information that shapes their view on the world. They believe that in order to allow knowledge to be retained students must be able to take part in learning.

Therefore, instead of giving lectures, constructivist instructors are more in favor of conducting collaborative group exercises, educating students how to tackle issues and carry out, as well as real-world circumstances that they are able to utilize their learning to.

There are a few instances of learning through cognitive processes

There are various kinds of cognitive learning. Below are 10 of them.

Implicit Learning

Have you ever learned something you didn't intend to? If you answered"yes" then, you've experienced experiences with the process of implicit learning. In implicit learning it is common to not be conscious of the whole learning process until the moment you realize that the ability or know-how was not previously there.

The things you might learn are walking, talking, or perhaps typing fast without looking at the keyboard.

Learning through explicit language

Learning is explicit when you are actively seeking out information. As opposed to implicit learning, learning requires that you remain attentive and take effort to be proficient with regards to the subject you're learning. One example of explicitly learning would be enrolling into an online program to gain knowledge about content marketing or re-entering the college you attended to earn a new degree.

Learning through collaboration or co-operative learning

The process of learning made up of four parts, such as:

  • Responsibility for each individual: Although people collaborate as a group, they should all each have responsibilities that they are individually accountable to.
  • Multi-channel interaction: Every member of the group must be able to participate in discussions regarding the topics they're researching and also how they're using the information they've accumulated.
  • Positive interdependence While each person within the group should have responsibility for their individual but they must also be able to get help from each other when they need it.
  • Participation equal: When the topic of collaboration learning is concerned everyone in the group participates equally. Nobody has more power or is considered superior to other members.

Discovery learning

When you continuously seek out for new information by conducting investigations on the newest theories, concepts and subjects, you're engaged in a journey of discovery. For example, if you're composing an essay that requires an application like Hemingway Editor, to modify and proofread it and learn more about the editor through research.

Learning that is meaningful

The process of learning is a meaningful one within the context of connecting information gained from the learning process to prior experiences. It is typically a result of skills that are applicable to different areas of life, including in the classroom and at work. An example of meaningful learning is when you're working in marketing and take a marketing strategy course to get a better understanding of the topic.

Learning to be emotionally

Learning about emotions helps people learn how to control their feelings, be aware of other people's emotions, and improve their emotional ability. Whatever you're doing at your job, having a high level of emotional intelligence is a key aspect in your ability to show the ability to be able to communicate, display empathy and manage professionally and interpersonal interactions.

In particular, learning to be emotionally aware helps you to communicate efficiently with people who are both people who are either extroverts or introverts, irrespective of the situation you're in. If you're in customer service, knowing how to manage your emotions and being aware of the emotions of other people can help you manage the interactions you have with customers.

Learning through experience

It is said that experience is the best instructor. Learning from encounters allow you to discern and inculcate valuable life lessons through your interactions with other people. What you will learn in the course of these interactions is contingent on your perspective on them.

It is possible for two people to get the exact same experience, and take different lesson from it. In this case, for instance in the case of being an executive's shadow at the workplace, then you can be taught the value of leadership through the example of your boss. But someone who is not in your job post could learn to run an effective board meeting.

The value of the experience is determined by the way you think about the event and connect it with the present or past events.

The process of learning through observation

It is a method to learn by mimicking others with the skills or traits you want to have. While this type of learning typically occurs in youngsters (as they model adult behavior) However, adults may apply it to certain settings. As an example, you could improve your leadership skills by imitating your boss at the office. Additionally, you can learn how to be a better team player by mimicking the actions of your successful colleagues that you interact with.

Learning that is receptive

When you take classes where a teacher sits in the center of the room and explains the subject while you're capable of listening, you are engaging in receptive learning. Learning this way requires participants to actively participate in the process of taking notes and making inquires.

Receptive learning is when your school or job asks for experts to lead your team or class a class hall in a workshop or class room in the form of a workshop.

Non-associative education

Learning that is not associated involves adjusting to a new thing or situations by repeatedly confronting it. This type of learning can be classified in two types: the habitual and the sensibilization.

Learning is the process that you do by habits. So, your reaction to a stimulus (or situation) decreases the more you're exposed to the stimuli. If the example of new to an apartment that is close to a railway station, you might be disturbed by the sounds of trains passing through initially. As you remain there, it won't be a problem since you'll be able to get used to it.

However, it is the process by which your response to a stimulus (or the situation) is enhanced with time exposure. As an example, if you are starting a new job as a receptionist will be aware immediately that the office phone begins to sound. However, as you continue working in the job as a receptionist, your ears will become more sensitive to the ringing sound of the phone.

Advantages of Cognitive Learning

If you're interested in trying the cognitive method of learning There are several benefits you could reap:

Improved comprehension

The process of learning through cognition requires students to put what they've learned into practical situations. A method that's hands-on to learning may improve an individual's comprehension of topic and how they apply it to the daily routine of their lives.

Increased ability to solve problems

Cognitive learning provides people with the skills needed to solve complex problems quickly and effectively. They are essential to every position in leadership, regardless of the context.

Continuous learning habits

The process of learning through cognitive processes enhances learning enjoyment through making the process of learning new knowledge fun and exciting. Instead of being oblivious when learning new knowledge, the process of cognitive learning lets you make use of the knowledge you have acquired, making connections between what you're studying and what you already know.

Increased confidence

As you acquire a deeper understanding of new topics the use of cognitive training you'll expand your abilities and build confidence when carrying out the tasks.

Faster learning

When you are learning new skills via cognitive learning and other learning methods, you'll be able to recognize methods that can benefit you. Once you've discovered these methods that you can apply, you'll learn things much more quickly and with a shorter future.

Cognitive Learning Strategies and How to Apply it to the Education Industry

Repetition/spaced learning

What's different is the fact that three different classes will focus on the same topic, only with three distinct approaches. For example, the beginning period of learning could include an instructional video on the topic. The second period of learning might be a test which tests students their understanding of what they have learned during the initial time. And the last period might be a time to apply new knowledge to tackle a challenge or assignment.

Ten minutes of breaks between each lesson prevent the overload of material for students. Breaks do not take a long time. They can be used to include distracting activities such as memorizing terms or figuring out what doesn't have anything to do with the subject you're presenting.

The results of studies have proven that the concept of spaced learning can be a highly effective method for learning which produces outstanding results in tests as well as long-lasting memory recall.

Reflection

When learning, reflection demands students to write down their experiences during the class, as well as what they didn't know and how they could do to help the teacher more effectively.

This learning process typically occurs in the final class, however it's also feasible to incorporate a reflection activity at the end of each topic you're teaching within your online class. The students will discern what they're doing well as well as what they're lacking, and they'll have the ability to revisit difficult areas. The students will also benefit from this time to form connections between their current as well as their previous understanding.

Ask your students to submit your reflections to you via an email. It is crucial because they demonstrate that they:

  • How well do your students understand the concept
  • What's the best way of instructing style(s) could be?
  • What topic(s) you weren't able to effectively explain?

If you've got these data, you'll be able to adapt your curriculum to the data as well as help your students achieve higher grades.

Graphic organizers

Graphic organizers are visual diagrams showing connections between thoughts information, concepts, and other ideas. Examples of graphic organizers include pie charts, bar chart, flow charts, mind maps, and spider diagrams.

These organizers permit learners to

  • Examine thoroughly an issue
  • Imagine the procedure and process
  • Organise your thoughts
  • Find connections between the most current data and information that they've gathered before

It is possible to employ these techniques in your class for presenting information and helping students develop their thinking abilities. Being able to arrange the thoughts of students into a coherent structure can help students develop an knowledge of the topic.

Note-taking

Note-taking can be one of the most effective strategies for students to improve their ability to listen and comprehend of the subject as and also to improve their memory retention. Encourage your pupils to note down the important elements during the course.

Not only does taking notes about the significance and use of concepts help them to be more attentive, but people who keep notes can be able to keep a record of their notes that to refer back to at any time if they forget some thing.

Incorporate cognitive learning strategies in your online course

This post was first seen on here