Jasmine Turner, AspireSTAR
The cognitivist theoretical perspective considers the brain much like a computer. This approach replaced behaviorism as society moved form the agricultural age into the industrial age. Cognitivism gives insight into the process of learning with broader views of how we learn by concidering the brains function. Driscoll explains the learning theories that have evolved from the cognitivist perspective explore the mind (Driscoll, 2005). Cognitive information processing suggests that storing information is encoding on the memory for later retrieval as an internal process of learning not necessarily expressed in external behavior. Educational technology enhances the process of cognitive learning by expanding the limitations of the minds in knowledge acquisition.
Cognitivism focuses on the inner mental activities by examining the mind to better understand the process of learning. In like manner, The Schema Theory shows how people add, modify, and build new information. Educational technology that supports problem solving and scientific inquiry play a major role of in discussion of cognitivism. By considering the way the mind works, we can better prepare students for the task of synthesis in processing new knowledge in the information age. Situation Cognition supports developing authentic learning experiences and considers how applying knowledge and skills towards real life task to demonstrate understanding. Hopefully, educators who embrace cognitivist theory can apply it to designing individualized instruction that used educational technology to help students "build" towards specific learning goals.
Mental processes such as thinking, memory, knowing, and problem-solving are explored by cognitive thinking. Knowledge can be seen as schema or symbolic mental constructions. The cognitive learning theory shapes the way educators approach educational technology in various learning environments. Piaget’s theory of Cognitive and Knowledge Development builds on schematics by considering assimilation, accommodation, and equilibration within the learning process (Wadsworth,1996). Computer technology enhances the process of cognitive learning by expanding the limitations of the minds in knowledge acquisition. Educational technology in today’s classroom is inclusive of applications that require students to classify information, make abstract concepts concrete, and employ reason in problem solving skills.
Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education
Wadsworth, B. J. (1996). Piaget’s theory of cognitive and affective development: Foundations of constructivism (5th ed.). White Plains, NY: Allyn & Bacon.
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Module 2: Cognitivism
J. Turner, Aspire STAR commented @
I love the clear concise breakdown of the major learning theories in this blog post. I can identify my students learning style by your summary of these learning theories. Which theory best fit your learning style? How does this affect your interactions with othe learners?
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