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What can you do to use cognitive learning Theory

May 16, 2023

in the 20th century, Swiss education psychologist Jean Piaget, worked at the Binet Institute where he was responsible for translating English intelligence-related questions into French. During his time at Binet Institute, Piaget became fascinated by the reasons why the children who were logically challenged got it incorrectly, while others answered them right.

Behaviorism was the dominant theory behind this; psychologists judged children's ability to answer these questions by the way they interact with their environment.

The year 1936 was the time that Piaget argued for a distinct theory. He suggested that the internal processes of a child's brain decide what they do when it comes to logic questions. His theories on intelligence included:

  • The brain development of children develops through phases, and their behavior shift to reflect these cognitive changes.
  • The intelligence of children differs from that of adults' intelligence in quality (not quantity). The reason for this is that children perceive the world differently than adults.
  • Children aren't the only ones to engage with the world around them; they also store information about the world mentally, and this influences how they respond to problems that require logical thinking

Jean Piaget termed his line of thinking as "cognitive thinking theory of learning". In the past, educators across the globe have employed cognitive learning strategies to empower their students to be better learners.

Check it out to find out:

What is Cognitive Learning?

The term 'cognitive learning' is derived from cognition, which is the process of processing and retention knowledge through the senses, thoughts, and experience. The process of learning through cognition, by itself is a type of learning that focuses on maximizing your brain's potential.

Think back to your time at high school. Was there a subject that you simply loved? It was one that you were able to understand because it just seemed to click for you? How about a concept or topic that you were hard to comprehend regardless of how hard you attempted?

In Piaget's Cognitive Learning theory, your capacity to understand (or not comprehend the subject will depend on how your brain process the information that pertains to that subject. However, with the help of the use of cognitive strategies, you'll be able to deal with topics that are naturally hard to grasp. This is because these strategies make it easier to make connections between new information as well as existing ideas. This improves your ability to retain and recall the information.

Today, the theory of cognitive learning is divided into two types:

  • Social cognitive theory is the belief that the objects that people observe around them and the behaviors they observe affect their behavior as well as the rate at which their brains develop cognitionally. For example, a student's behaviour can be affected by how they watch their teachers as well as their peers. Teachers are therefore encouraged to set the example.
  • Cognitive behavioral theory is the idea that how a person thinks, feels, and behaves are all interconnected, and could influence their capacity to comprehend. In the case of a student believes they're naturally inept with Physics and that they won't understand it regardless of the way it's explained and explained, they'll probably be frustrated and irritated during the course of a Physics class, which leads to poor performance.

Cognitive learning strategies aim to break down barriers to learning and offer different (and more individualized) methods for students to master. Learning the fundamentals will make you a better (and quicker) student and improve your chances of excelling at whatever you put your mind to.

What exactly are components of Cognitive Learning?

If you are a person seeking to improve one skill (or two) Here are a few essential components of cognitive learning you should know:

Comprehension

Memory

Learning by cramming to remember it is an unproductive method of learning, and cognitive techniques for learning hinder it. When you learn with cognitive methods, the objective is to develop a deep understanding of the topic so that you are able to connect concepts that are new to you with previous knowledge.

Application

Cognitive learning strategies will encourage you to consider the content of your lesson or course and think ways of applying the material to actual scenarios. This helps develop sophisticated critical thinking abilities in problem-solving, as well as leadership traits that you can apply at school as well as in your job.

What is the difference between cognitivism and constructivism?

Jean Piaget's research in cognition was based on two distinct concepts of cognitivism as well as constructivism. These two ideas are somewhat similar in the sense that both are focused on the processes of mind which are associated with learning as opposed to only being observable in the external world. However, cognitivism and constructivism are different.

With cognitivism, people are seen as beings who are able to think and analyze the new information, without needing to be actively involved in the process. Instead of reacting to stimuli from outside and absorbing them via conditioning, learners can passively assess the information and store the information.

One of the best examples of cognitivist learning is lectures. In lectures, all students need to do is sit in their seats (or in front of their laptops) and pay attention to teachers explain concepts. Note-taking is a good thing, but students are able to absorb the knowledge the teacher is passing across to them without taking notes.

Constructivism is, on contrary, encapsulates the notion that we process and interpret new information based on previous knowledge and experiences. In other words, people create their own information and their perception about reality. Constructivists believe that, for knowledge to stay with us, learners have to actively take part in learning.

So instead of lectures the constructivist instructors tend to prefer organizing interactive group activities and teaching students how to tackle problems and experiments to carry out, and real-life situations to use their skills in.

Cognitive learning examples

There are different types of cognitive learning. Here are 10 types of cognitive learning.

Implicit Learning

Have you ever learnt something new, but didn't really intend to? If you answered yes, then you've had the experience of an implicit learning. With implicit learning it is common to not be conscious of the entire process until you realize that you've acquired an ability or knowledge that previously you did not possess.

Examples of things you can be taught are walking, talking or typing even without having to glance at your keyboard.

Learning explicit

Learners who are explicit intentionally seek knowledge. Unlike implicit learning, explicit education requires you to focus and dedicate the effort to become skilled in the subject you're studying. Examples of learning that is explicit would be taking an online course for learning about content marketing or re-entering school to obtain a fresh qualification.

Collaborative or cooperative learning

This form of learning includes four elements, which include:

  • Responsibility for each individual: Although people are working together in groups, everyone should have duties they are solely responsible for.
  • Multi-channel interaction: All members of the group ought to be able to engage in discussions about the topic they're learning and how they're each applying their knowledge.
  • Positive interdependence Although each member within the group must have the responsibility for their individual but they must also be able of obtaining help from others whenever they require it.
  • The equal participation in collaborative learning, every member of the group has equal rights. There is no one who has more power or has a higher rank than others.

Discovery Learning

When you continuously seek out for new information by conducting research on new concepts, ideas, or topics, you're engaging in learning through discovery. For example, if you write an article and need a tool such as Hemingway Editor to edit and proofread, you'll end up understanding more about the editing software it self through exploration.

Learner-centered

The process of learning that makes sense is by connecting new information to past experiences. It is often the case that this leads to the transfer of skills which are applicable to other fields of life like education and job. A good example of a meaningful education can be when you are working in marketing and you take an education in marketing strategy to increase your knowledge of the subject.

Learning to be emotionally

The process of learning about emotions helps people learn how to control their emotions, comprehend the feelings of other people and increase the emotional intelligence of others. Whatever you are doing for work, high emotional intelligence is a key aspect in your ability to show empathy, communicate with others, and handle professionally and interpersonal relationships.

As an example, emotional training helps you to interact positively with extroverts and introverts alike whatever situation that you're involved in. And if you work in customer service, learning how to handle your emotions and understand other people's feelings can help you manage customer interactions.

Experiential learning

They say that experience is the most effective teacher. The lessons you learn through experience allow you to identify and inculcate useful life lessons you can learn through your interactions with others. What you can learn through those interactions depends on how you interpret them.

It means that two individuals may have the identical experience but take different lessons from it. If, for instance, you are a CEO's shadow at work, you may discover the value of leading by example. Someone within your role could be taught how to conduct the most productive board meetings instead.

The value you get from your experiences is contingent on how you analyze it and relate it to the present or past circumstances.

Learning by observation

Observational learning involves imitating people with the skills or traits you wish to acquire. Although this kind of learning can be found among children (as they mimic adults) however, adults may utilize it in specific settings. As an example, you could enhance your leadership skills through imitation of your boss at the office. It is also possible to become a more effective team player by observing the habits of great team players you collaborate with.

Receptive learning

If you are learning in lectures, where the teacher stands at the front of the class and explains a topic while you listen, then you're practicing receptive teaching. This kind of learning demands you to actively participate by asking questions and taking down notes.

Receptive learning is when a school or workplace invites specialists to train your class or team members in a classroom, hall, or workshop in a workshop.

Non-associative Learning

Non-associative learning involves adapting to the new situation or object by facing it repeatedly. The type of learning that is classified into two types: habituation and sensitization.

Habituation means learning by the habit of doing something. That means your response to an object (or the situation) decreases over time the more you're exposed to the stimulus. In the case of, for instance, you're moving into a house near an train station, you might be irritated by the sound of trains passing by initially. As you get used to living there, the sound won't bother you as much because you'd learn to ignore the sound.

Sensitization is, however it means that the way you react to a stimulus (or the situation) increases with repeated exposure to it. As an example, if you start a new job as a receptionist, you may notice immediately when the phone at work starts to ring. As you remain longer at your job, you become more attuned to the ringing of the telephone.

Advantages from Cognitive Learning

If you want to explore cognitive learning methods, here are a few benefits to consider:

Improved comprehension

Cognitive learning requires students to apply what they have learned into action. An approach that is hands-on to learning helps students understand the nuances of the subject and the way they can implement it in actual situations.

Improved problem-solving abilities

Cognitive learning gives people the skills they need to solve difficult problems swiftly and efficiently. These skills are important at any level of leadership, regardless of the setting.

Continuous learning habits

Learning through cognitive methods fosters a passion of learning by making learning new information exciting and exhilarating. Instead of merely listening to the latest information, cognitive learning allows you to use your knowledge and link the information you're learning and that you already are aware of.

Enhanced confidence

If you gain a greater understanding of new topics via cognitive learning, you'll enhance 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. Once you've identified these methods, you'll be able to master new skills much more quickly in the future.

Cognitive Learning Strategies & how to apply it within the Education Industry

Spaced learning/repetition

However, the difference is that the three learning sessions will be on the identical subject, however with three distinct manners. As an example, the beginning learning time could consist of an instructional video giving an explanation of the subject. A second learning period could include a quiz that tests the students on their comprehension of the material that were given in the first lesson. And the last period might be a case of applying knowledge gained to complete a job.

Breaks of 10 minutes in each lesson prevent an overabundance of information to students. These breaks don't have to be a time for idleness as you can include distractor tasks like remembering words or working out which isn't related to the subject that you're teaching.

Studies have shown it is spaced learning is a highly effective method of learning which can produce excellent results at tests and longer-lasting memory retention.

Reflection

Reflection, in learning, is when students record what they learned in the course, and the things they did not understand as well as how they believe they can assist their teacher more effectively.

While this learning method usually occurs at the conclusion of a classroom session You can also incorporate a reflection activity in the final session of every subject you're teaching in your online courses. They'll help your students know where they're excelling and where they're failing, which means they'll have the opportunity to revisit challenging topics. They can also take advantage of this moment to make connections between new information 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 are your students comprehending the topic
  • What is the effectiveness of your method of teaching style(s) can be?
  • Which topic(s) you didn't explain effectively?

If you've got this data, you'll be able to make changes to your class as well as help students achieve higher grades.

Graphic organizers

Graphic organizers are visual representations showing the connections between concepts, facts and concepts. The most common examples of graphic organizers include pie charts, bar charts, flow charts mind maps and spider diagrams.

These organizers allow students to:

  • Think deeply about an issue
  • Visualize the process and procedures
  • Make sure they organize their thoughts
  • Connect new knowledge and the things they've already learned before

Use these mental techniques in your class to present information and help learners improve their thinking processes. Arranging their ideas into comprehensive structures can help students develop a deeper comprehension of the subject.

Note-taking

Note-taking is one of the most effective ways for students to improve their active listening capabilities as well as their comprehension of the subject, and memory retention. So encourage your pupils to note down important points while they progress throughout the course.

Not only do notes on the meaning and application of concepts help them to more readable, but note-takers are able to have a reference that they can refer to anytime if they are unable to remember what.

Incorporate cognitive learning strategies into your online course