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Cognitive Learning Theory and the Use of Cognitive Learning Theory

May 20, 2023

The 1920s were the time that Swiss educational psychologist, Jean Piaget, worked at Binet Institute. Binet Institute where he was the one who translated English intelligence-related questions into French. While at the Binet Institute, Piaget became intrigued by the reason for why some children responded logically wrong and other children did the right thing.

In the past, behaviorism was the main theory that explains this; psychologists judged the ability of children to answer these kinds of inquiries based on their interactions they had with their environment.

In 1936, Piaget promoted a new theory. He believed that the inner workings of a child's brain decide what they do in relation to logic questions. His theories on intelligence included:

  • The development of children's brains occurs in stages and their behaviours shift in accordance with these developmental changes.
  • Children's intelligence differs from that of adults' quality-wise (not just the amount). It is because children perceive the world differently than adults.
  • They aren't the only ones to engage with the world around them. They are also able to keep details about the world in their minds that affects their responses to issues that require logic thinking

Jean Piaget termed his line of thinking to be "cognitive thinking theory of learning". Over the years, educators around the globe have adopted strategies for learning through cognitive processes that have helped their students improve their learning.

Find out more about:

What is cognitive learning?

"Cognitive Learning" comes from cognition which is the process of absorbing and keeping information using the senses, the brain as well as experience. Learning by using cognitive processes in general is a method of learning that focuses on maximizing the capabilities of the brain.

Reminisce about your days at high school. Did you have a particular subject you just gravitated toward? It was easy for you to comprehend because it simply clicked for you? Have you come across a concept or subject you thought was difficult to grasp no matter how hard tried?

In Piaget's Cognitive Learning theory, your capacity to grasp (or be unable to comprehend) something depends on the way your brain process the information that is related to this topic. By using strategies for cognitive thinking, you are able to take on topics that would be 'naturally' difficult for you to grasp. This helps to link the new knowledge and existing ideas. It also improves your capacity to remember and keep the information.

Current theory of cognitive learning has been broken into two types:

  • Social cognitive theory is the notion that things people see in the world around them, and the actions they observe affect their behavior as well as the rate that their brains grow with regard to cognitive development. Also the behavior of a child may be affected by how they observe their teachers and others in the class. This is why teachers must show their students how to behave.
  • Cognitive behavior theory: This is the idea that a person's thinks, feels and acts are connected, and it can influence their capacity to grasp. For example, if a student believes they're naturally poor at Physics and they don't grasp the idea regardless of the way it's explained the student will likely be frustrated and angry during a Physics class, which could result in lower performance.

The strategies for cognitive learning can be used to eliminate the obstacles that hinder learning and to provide various (and more personalized) ways for learners to master. Mastering the elements will make you an efficient (and faster) student, as well as increase your chances of results in anything you put your heart on.

What are the elements that make up cognitive Learning?

If you are a person who is looking to develop some skill (or two) Here are a few important aspects of cognitive growth that you should be aware about:

Comprehension

Memory

Cramming for the sake of retention it's not the most effective method of learning and cognition techniques to learn hinder this process. While learning through the cognitive process you want to develop a thorough knowledge of the subject to be able to connect ideas that are completely new to you with previous knowledge.

Application

Cognitive learning strategies will encourage you to consider the material within your class or lesson and work ways of applying it in real-world scenarios. This helps develop advanced critical thinking skills in problem-solving, as well as qualities of leadership that you can apply in school as well as in the workplace.

What's the main difference between cognitivism and constructivism?

Jean Piaget's research in cognitive development comprised two distinct ideas of cognitivism as well as constructivism. Both are similar in that they are focused on mind-related processes which are associated with learning, as opposed to externally observable behavior. Yet, constructivism and cognitivism differ in their approaches.

By virtue of cognitivism, we're seen as beings who can think, analyze and assess any new information without having to participate actively in it. Instead of reacted to outside stimuli, and then absorbing them through the process of conditioning, learners are able to passively evaluate the information and save it.

One of the best examples of cognitive learning can be seen in lectures. In lectures, all students must do is sit in their chairs (or at their desks) and listen to the teacher's explanation of ideas. While note-taking is helpful, students are able to take in the information that the instructor communicates to them without taking notes.

Constructivism On the other hand it perpetuates the idea that people take in and understand any new information based on the foundation of their previous experiences as well as their previous knowledge. In other words, they are actively creating their own knowledge and understanding of the world. The constructivists think that for information to be able to stick within us, students need be actively involved with the process of learning.

So, rather than lecture classes, instructors who practice constructivism are interested in conducting groups that interact, offering students problems to solve as well as experiments to complete and real-world situations for them to use their skills in.

Examples of cognitive learning

There are a variety of kinds of cognitive learning. Here are ten of them.

Implicit learning

Did you learn something you didn't want to? If the answer is yes, then it's an implicit learning. When you learn implicitly it is normal to not be aware of your learning experience until you suddenly realize you've gained a new capability or know-how that you weren't aware of before.

Some of the things you could be taught are walking, speaking, or typing fast without looking at your keyboard.

Experiential learning

Learners who are explicit intentionally seek information. In contrast to implicit learning, explicit instruction requires that you focus and exert effort to improve your knowledge of the subject you're studying. Examples of learning that's explicit would be enrolling in an online course studying content marketing, or going back to school for a new qualification.

Collaborative or cooperative learning

The form of education that is taught includes the following four parts:

  • Personal responsibility: Although people work in an organizational setting, every person must have responsibilities they are personal accountable for.
  • Multi-channel interaction: All members of the group should be able to participate with each other in discussions on the subject they're studying and the ways in which they're all utilizing their expertise.
  • Positive Interdependence Every member in the group is responsible for each their own responsibility. and they must also be able for assistance from the group whenever they require it.
  • Equal participation: In collaboration learning, all members in the group is equally. Everyone is equal. holds more influence or is ahead of other members.

Learning through discovery

If you're constantly looking for new knowledge by doing research on new concepts, ideas or matters, you're the process of learning by discovery. In the case of such a scenario, for example, if you're writing an essay and require a software such as Hemingway Editor, to proofread it and proofread, you'll end up understanding more about the editor it itself through exploration.

Meaningful learning

Learning that is meaningful takes place when you connect recent experiences to the past. This results in the transfer of abilities that are applicable to other aspects of our lives, such as the workplace and school. One example of learning that is meaningful is when you're working in marketing and enroll in a marketing strategy course to increase your knowledge of the topic.

Learning through emotion

The process of learning to control emotions requires understanding how one can manage their feelings, recognize the feelings of other people and increase their ability to handle emotions. Whatever you're doing at work, a high amount of emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in how you convey empathy, communicate and deal with interactions with coworkers and other people.

Learning to become emotionally aware will help people to be more positive with both introverts and extroverts in whatever setting that you're in. For customer service, being able to manage your emotions as well as recognize the emotions of other customers will help to navigate interactions with customers.

Learning through experience

They say experiences are the most powerful teacher. The experience of a person allows them to discern and learn important life lessons learned through the interactions you have with others. However, the knowledge that you learn from these interactions will depend on how you take these interactions.

It means that two individuals can have the similar experience and learn diverse lessons from their experience. In the case, for example, you are a CEO's shadow at work You could be taught the value of leadership through examples. But someone who is not working in the same position may learn to lead the most effective board meetings.

The worth of your experience is contingent on how well you analyze it and relate it to the present or past situations.

The process of learning through observation

Learning by observation is based on imitating others who possess the qualities and skills that you would wish to acquire. This form of learning is usually found in young children (as they imitate adults) however, adults may use it in certain situations. For instance, you can enhance your leadership skills by imitating your boss at office. It is also possible to become a more effective team player by observing the habits of great team members you work with.

Learning that is receptive

If you are able to study classes where a teacher sits in the front of the class and explains a topic when you are listening, you're engaging in receptive learning. This kind of learning demands students to be part of classes by asking questions as well as recording their notes.

One good way to learn through receptive is when a workplace or school invites experts to instruct your students or team in a classroom hall, workshop, or in a classroom.

Non-associative Learning

Learning that is not associative involves adjusting to a new circumstance or item by confronting it repeatedly. This kind of learning can be separated into two categories which are sensitization and habituation.

It's the process of learning which you acquire through the habit of doing something. This means that your reaction to something (or the situation) is less as time passes the more exposure to it you receive. In the case of first moving into a home near a train station it is possible to be troubled by the noise of the trains passing through at first. However, the longer you stay there, the sound isn't as bothersome since you'll learn to ignore the noise.

Sensitization On the other hand is when the response you have to an situation (or the event) gets stronger with exposure to it. If you beginning a new position as a receptionist, then you'll notice immediately when the office phone is in use. While you work at your position as receptionist, you'll become more tuned to the sound of the phone.

Advantages from Cognitive Learning

If you'd like to explore ways to improve your cognitive abilities Here are a few advantages to consider:

Improved comprehension

Learning by using cognitive processes demands that students apply the knowledge they've acquired in their practice. Learning through hands-on experience aids students to comprehend the intricacies of the subject as well as their capacity to use it in real-life situations.

Increased ability to solve problems

Cognitive learning gives people the skills needed to deal with difficult issues swiftly and efficiently. These skills are important for any position of leadership no matter the environment.

Habits of continuous learning

Cognitive methods of learning foster a passion of learning and makes the process of studying new material thrilling and exciting. Instead of just listening to the latest information it allows you to apply the knowledge you've acquired, and link the dots between the knowledge you're learning and that you've already acquired.

Greater confidence

When you acquire a deeper comprehension of new topics by utilizing your brain and practicing to improve your skills set and build confidence when carrying out the tasks.

Faster learning

As you gain new knowledge by using cognitive learning techniques, you'll be able to discover various learning methods that can benefit you. Once you've learned these strategies and techniques you'll have the ability to master advanced skills faster and in the near time.

Cognitive Learning Strategies and how to apply them in the Education Industry

Spaced learning/repetition

What is different is that each of the three classes will cover the same topic, but in three different ways. The first learning period might consist of video clips of a teacher giving an explanation of the subject. A second learning period might be a test which tests students' knowledge of the information they learned in the first period. And the last period might involve applying the information for completing a task.

Breaks of 10 minutes in every lesson can prevent overabundance of information to students. The breaks shouldn't be a time for idleness and you could incorporate distraction activities like memorizing words or performing a physical activity not related to the subject that you're teaching.

Research has proven studies have shown that that spatial-based learning can be an a highly effective method of learning which can produce outstanding results on tests as well as lasting memory recall.

Reflection

Learning through reflection involves having students record what they've learned from the class, along with their lack of understanding as well as how they can assist their teacher more effectively.

The process of learning is usually carried out at the end of class. However, you can also incorporate a reflection exercise in the last class of each topic you instruct in the online course. Students can determine which areas they are excelling in and where they're lacking in, as well as being capable of revisiting difficult topics. They will also be able to benefit from this opportunity to make connections between their newly acquired knowledge and their previous understanding.

Ask your students to submit their reflection activities to you via email. This is vital as they will demonstrate to you that they have:

  • What are your students doing in comprehending the topic
  • What is the effectiveness of your instructing style(s) What are the results of your instructing style(s)?
  • What topic(s) you were unable to effectively explain?

When you have this data, it will allow you to modify your classroom and assist students in achieving higher grades.

Graphic organizers

Graphic organizers are diagrams that show the connections between facts ideas, concepts and thoughts. Examples of graphic organizers include pie charts, bar charts and flow charts, brain maps, and spider diagrams.

The students are allowed to:

  • Consider a topic
  • Visualize procedures and processes
  • Make sure you keep your ideas in order
  • Create connections between new information and the things they've learned in the past.

Make use of these strategies in your class to communicate details and help students develop their thinking abilities. Being able to arrange their thoughts into complex patterns could aid students to gain a better understanding of the topic.

Note-taking

Note-taking is one of the most effective methods for students to develop their listening abilities and comprehension of the subject and retention of knowledge. Therefore, encourage them to note down some of the important points while they are completing your lesson.

Not only does not jotting down the importance and significance of the concepts makes them more enduring, but those who take notes will end up with a resource that they are able to revisit whenever they do not remember something.

Incorporate cognitive strategies into your online course

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