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The Use of Cognitive Learning Theory

May 16, 2023

In the 1920s, Swiss educational psychologist, Jean Piaget, worked at the Binet Institute where he was responsible for translating English intelligence questions to French. During his time at Binet Institute, Piaget became obsessed with the fact that certain children answered logically wrong, and others got correct.

Behaviorism was the dominant theory behind that; psychologists assessed the capacity of children to answer these questions from the interactions they had with their environments.

In 1936, Piaget argued for a different theory -- he believed that the inner workings of a child's brain determine the way they respond to logical questions. His theories on intelligence included:

  • The development of children's brains occurs in phases, and their behavior alter to reflect these mental developments.
  • The intelligence of children differs from that of adults' in terms of quality (not in terms of quantity). This is because children view the world differently than adults.
  • Children don't just interact with the world They also keep details about their world which affects the way they approach questions that involve logical thinking

Jean Piaget termed his line of thought "cognitive learning theory". In the past, educators across the globe have employed techniques for cognitive learning that have helped their students to become better learners.

Find out:

What is cognitive learning?

"Cognitive learning" comes from cognition which is the process of processing and retention information using the senses, thinking as well as experience. The process of learning through cognition, by itself is a type of learning that involves effectively maximizing your brain's potential.

Think back to your time in high school. Was there a subject that you simply loved? One you found easy to comprehend because it simply seemed to click for you? Did you find a notion or subject that you found hard to comprehend regardless of how hard attempted?

In Piaget's Cognitive Learning theory, your capacity to grasp (or not comprehend the subject is dependent on the way your brain process details related to the topic. But with techniques for cognitive learning that you can tackle topics that are 'naturally' difficult for you to understand. This is because these strategies make it easier to make connections between new information and pre-existing ideas, which enhances your ability to keep and recall the information.

The present day cognitive learning theory is broken into two categories:

  • Social cognitive theory: This is the belief that the objects that people observe around them as well as the behavior they observe influence their behaviour and the speed at which their brains grow cognitionally. In other words, a child's behavior can be affected when they observe their teachers and their peers. Teachers are therefore encouraged to set the example.
  • Cognitive behavioral theory: This is the notion that the way the person feels, thinks and behaves is all related, and can impact their ability to learn. If, for instance, students believe that they're not good at Physics and believes they'll never grasp the concept no matter how it's explained the lesson, they'll be likely to feel angry and irritated during the course of a Physics class, this can result in lower performances.

Strategies for cognitive learning aim to remove obstacles to learning by offering different (and more individualized) ways learners can learn. Understanding the concepts will make you a better (and more efficient) learner, and increase the likelihood of achieving success at everything you commit your brain to.

What exactly are main components of Cognitive Learning?

If you are a person looking to master something (or two) Here are a few essential components of cognitive learning you should know:

Comprehension

Memory

Learning by cramming to retain it is an unproductive method of learning and cognition methods of learning discourage the process. With cognitive learning, your objective is to develop a thorough knowledge of the subject so you can connect the new ideas to previous information.

Application

Cognitive learning techniques encourage you to think about the course/lesson material and figure ways of applying it in real-world situations. Doing so helps you develop sophisticated critical thinking abilities as well as problem-solving abilities and leadership traits that you can use at school and in work.

What's the distinction between constructivism and cognitivism?

Jean Piaget's research in cognition was based on two distinct notions of cognitivism as well as constructivism. Both concepts are similar in the sense that both concentrate on the cognitive processes that play a role in learning, in contrast to only externally observable behavior. But cognitivism and constructivism differ in their approaches.

In cognitivism, individuals are treated as beings that can mentally analyze and evaluate new information without having to actively participate in it. Instead of being able to respond to stimuli externally and then absorbing the information through conditioning, learners can passively assess the information and store it.

A great example of cognitivist learning is through lectures. In lectures, all students must do is sit in their seats (or behind their computers) and pay attention to the teacher explaining certain concepts. Note-taking is a good thing, but students are able to take in the information that the instructor communicates to them without taking notes.

Constructivism, on the other hand, reinforces the idea that people are able to process and interpret information on the basis of previous knowledge and experiences. That is, they are actively creating their own understanding that shapes their perspective on the world around them. The constructivists think that for new knowledge to stick, learners have to actively engage in the process of learning.

Therefore, instead of lecture classes instructors who are constructivist are more in favor of conducting interactive group activities, teaching students how to tackle problems and experiments to carry out, and actual situations that they can make use of their learning.

A few examples of cognitive learning

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

Implicit learning

Did you learn something new without actually meaning to? If you answered yes, then you've had the experience of the process of implicit learning. In implicit learning it is common to not be conscious of the entire process until the moment you notice that you possess an ability or knowledge that you didn't have before.

Things you can be taught are walking, talking or typing with no needing to look at the keyboard.

Learning explicit

Learning is explicit when you intentionally seek knowledge. Unlike implicit learning, explicit education requires you to focus and dedicate effort to become proficient when it comes to what you're learning. Examples of explicit learning are the online courses you can take to master content marketing, or re-entering school to obtain a fresh diploma.

Learning cooperatively or collaboratively

This form of learning comprises four components, including:

  • Individual responsibility: Although people work together as groups, everyone must have responsibilities they are personal accountable for.
  • Multi-channel interaction: All members of the group should be able to engage in discussions regarding the topics they're learning about and how they're each utilizing their knowledge.
  • Positive interdependence: Each person within the group must have each their own responsibility, they should also be able to seek help from one another in times of need.
  • The equal participation in collaboration learning, everyone in the group is equally. No one holds more status or ranks above other members.

Discovery the learning

If you are constantly seeking the latest information through research on new concepts, ideas, or subject matter, you're participating in a process of discovery. In the case of, for instance, you're writing an article that requires tools such as Hemingway Editor to edit and proofread, you'll end up understanding more about the editor by observing.

Meaningful learning

Learning that is meaningful occurs in the context of relating new information to past experiences. This often leads to the transfer of skills which can be applied in other fields of life like school and work. An example of meaningful learning can be when you are working in the field of marketing, and you enroll in an education in marketing strategy to gain a deeper understanding of the subject.

Learning to be emotionally

Emotional learning involves people learning how to control their emotions, understand other people's emotions, and improve their ability to deal with emotions. Whatever you are doing for work, high emotional intelligence plays an important role in how you exhibit compassion, interact with other people, and handle professionally and interpersonal relationships.

For example, emotional learning will help you communicate effectively with people who are both extroverts or introverts, regardless of the situations you're in. If you're in customer service, being able to deal with your emotions as well as recognize the emotions of other customers helps you handle the interactions with customers.

Learning through experience

They say that experience is the most effective teacher. Experience allows you to recognize and learn useful life lessons you can learn through your interactions with other people. What you can learn in these encounters is dependent on your interpretation of them.

This means that two people may have the similar experience and learn distinct learnings from it. As an example, if you are a CEO's shadow in the workplace, you could discover the value of leading through examples. However, someone within your role could be taught how to conduct the most productive board meetings instead.

The value you get from the experience is determined by how well you reflect on the experience and how you relate it to current or previous situations.

Observational learning

Observational learning involves imitating people with the skills or traits you wish to acquire. This type of learning is commonly found in kids (as they emulate adults), adults can utilize it in specific situations. You can, for instance, develop your leadership abilities through imitation of your boss at the office. You can also learn to become a more effective team player by mimicking the behaviors of top team players you collaborate with.

Learner receptive

If you are learning in lectures, where the teacher is in center of the room and discusses a topic as the students listen, you're practicing receptive teaching. Learning this way requires you to actively participate by making inquiries and recording notes.

An example of receptive learning is when your school or workplace invites specialists to train your class or team members in a classroom room, hall or workshop setting.

Non-associative education

Non-associative learning involves adapting to the new situation or object by re-encountering it. This kind of learning can be separated into two groups: habituation and sensitization.

It's the process of learning that you do by the habit of doing something. That means your response to a stimulus (or situation) decreases over time the more you're exposed to it. For example, if you newly move into the vicinity of a railway station, you could be disturbed by the sounds of trains moving through initially. But the longer you live there, it isn't as bothersome since you'll learn to forget about the sound.

Sensitization, on the other hand is when your response to a stimulus (or the situation) is enhanced with time exposure. As an example, if you newly take a job as a receptionist will notice right away when the phone at work rings. However, as you continue to work in your position as a receptionist, your ears become more tuned to the ringing of the phone.

Benefits from Cognitive Learning

If you're looking to explore cognitive learning methods, here are a few benefits you stand to gain:

Improved comprehension

Learning through cognitive processes requires that students apply what they have learned into practice. An approach that is hands-on to learning helps students understand the nuances of the subject and their ability to apply it in real-life situations.

Improved problem-solving abilities

Cognitive learning provides people with the necessary skills to solve difficult problems efficiently and quickly. This is essential at any level of leadership regardless of the context.

Continuous learning habits

Learning through cognitive methods fosters a passion of learning, by making the process of acquiring new information enjoyable and stimulating. Instead of merely listening to the latest information it helps you make use of your knowledge, and link the knowledge you're acquiring and what you already are aware of.

Higher confidence

When you get a better comprehension of the new subject matter by using cognitive training and practice, you'll improve your skill set and gain greater confidence when carrying out tasks.

Faster learning

As you gain new knowledge by using cognitive learning techniques You'll discover some of the learning strategies that will benefit your needs. When you've figured out these techniques and techniques, you'll be able learn things much faster later on.

Cognitive Learning Strategies & How to Apply It in the Education Industry

Spaced learning/repetition

However, the difference is that all three sessions will cover the exact identical subject, however in three different ways. For example, the beginning learning time could consist of a video of a teacher giving an explanation of the subject. A second learning period could include a quiz that tests the students their understanding of the information during the initial period. In the final part, it could be a case of applying knowledge gained in order to tackle a task.

Breaks of 10 minutes in every learning session prevents an overabundance of information for students. These breaks don't need to be idle and you could incorporate distraction activities like memorizing words or working out which isn't related to the topic you're teaching.

Studies show the fact that the concept of spaced learning is an extremely efficient learning method which produces excellent results on tests and longer-lasting memory retention.

Reflection

Reflection, in learning, requires students to write down what they've learned during the lesson, the things they did not understand and what they feel the teacher can help them to understand the lesson better.

This learning process typically occurs at the conclusion of a classroom session it is possible to incorporate a reflection activity at the end of each subject you're teaching in your online courses. They'll help your students know which areas they're excelling in and what they're failing, which means they can revisit the difficult subjects. They can also take advantage of this time to form links between the new knowledge and their prior understanding.

Let your students email your reflections to you via emails. This is important because they demonstrate to that they are:

  • How your students are understanding the subject
  • How effective is your method of teaching style(s) is
  • Which topic(s) you couldn't explicate clearly

When you have this information it will allow you to update your course accordingly and assist your students to achieve higher grades.

Graphic organizers

Graphic organizers are visual representations showing the connections between facts, concepts as well as ideas. Examples of graphic organizers include pie charts, bar diagrams, flow charts mind maps and spider diagrams.

These organizers permit pupils to

  • Consider an issue
  • Visualize procedures and processes
  • Organize your thoughts
  • Make connections between the latest information and what they've learnt in the past

Use these mental tools to communicate information and assist learners improve their thinking processes. Making their thoughts more coherent patterns can aid students in developing more knowledge of the subject.

Note-taking

Note-taking is one of the most effective strategies for students to develop their active listening skills and comprehension of the subject and retention of information. Encourage your students to make notes of the most important aspects as they go throughout the course.

Not only is writing down the significance and use of concepts help them to more readable, but note-takers have a source that they can refer to whenever they are unable to remember what.

Incorporate cognitive learning strategies into your online course