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What can you do to use cognitive learning Theory

May 16, 2023

The 1920s were the time when Swiss educational psychologist, Jean Piaget, worked at the Binet Institute where he was the one who translated English intelligence questions to French. While at the Binet Institute, Piaget became obsessed with the fact that the children who were logically challenged got it incorrectly, while others answered the answers right.

At the time, behaviorism was the most popular theory to explain this. Psychologists assessed the capacity of children to respond to these types of questions based on their interactions with their external environment.

It was 1936 when Piaget argued for a alternative theory. He believed that the inner workings of a child's brain determine what they do when it comes to logic questions. The assumptions of Piaget on intelligence were:

  • Children's thinking develops in stages, and their behaviors shift to reflect these cognitive development.
  • The intelligence of children differs from that of adults' in terms of quality (not the quantity). The reason for this is that children perceive the world in different ways than adults.
  • Children don't just interact with the world; they also store information about the world mentally which affects how they tackle problems that require logical thinking

Jean Piaget termed his line of thinking as "cognitive thinking theory of learning". Over the years, educators across the globe have employed methods of cognitive learning to help their students to be better learners.

Read on to find out:

What is Cognitive Learning?

"Cognitive Learning" is derived from cognition, which refers to the mental method of taking in and keeping information through senses, thought, and experience. Learning through cognitive processes, as a whole is a type of learning which involves maximizing your brain's potential.

Remember your school days at high school. Was there a subject that was something you were drawn to? One you found easy to understand because it just seemed to click for you? How about a concept or subject that you found difficult to grasp regardless of how hard you did?

In Piaget's Cognitive Learning theory, your ability to understand and comprehend something is dependent on the way your brain process the information that pertains to that subject. However, with the help of techniques for cognitive learning that you can deal with topics that are naturally' difficult for you to comprehend. This is because these strategies allow you to easily connect new knowledge and existing concepts, which increases your capacity to remember and remember the information.

Today, cognitive learning theory has been broken into two parts:

  • Social cognitive theory: This is the idea that the aspects that people are exposed to and the behaviors they observe impact how their behavior and how quickly their brains develop in terms of cognitive development. For example, a student's behaviour can be affected by how they look at their teachers or peers. That's why educators are encouraged to lead by example.
  • Cognitive behavioral theory: This is the belief that how a person thinks, feels and behaves is all related, and can influence their capacity to comprehend. For example, if the student is convinced that they are inept with Physics and believes they'll never grasp the concept regardless of how they explain it the lesson, they'll be likely to feel angry and angry in an Physics lesson -- this can result in lower performances.

Strategies for cognitive learning aim at removing obstacles to learning by offering alternative (and more personalized) strategies for students to learn. Understanding the concepts will make you a better (and more efficient) learner and will increase the likelihood of achieving success at anything you set your mind to.

What exactly are components of cognitive Learning?

For anyone seeking to improve one skill (or two), here are some important components of cognitive learning you should know:

Comprehension

Memory

The practice of rushing information to retain it is not a successful method of learning, and cognitive techniques for learning hinder the process. When you learn with cognitive methods, the goal is to get an understanding of the topic so you can connect the concepts that are new to you with previous knowledge.

Application

Cognitive learning strategies help you think about the material in your course or lesson and work out ways to apply the material to actual scenarios. Doing so helps you develop sophisticated critical thinking abilities in problem-solving, as well as the traits of leadership you could apply at school as well as in work.

What is the distinction between constructivism and cognitivism?

Jean Piaget's work in cognitive development was comprised of two distinct ideas that were cognitivism and constructivism. These two ideas are somewhat similar in the sense that both focus on the mental processes which are associated with learning as opposed to only being observable in the external world. But cognitivism and constructivism are different.

With cognitivism, people are viewed as beings who can think, analyze and assess any new information without having to participate actively in it. So rather than just responding to external stimuli and then absorbing the information through training, students can analyze the information and save the information.

A great example of cognitivist learning are lectures. With lectures, all learners must do is sit down in their seats (or behind their computers) and listen to the teacher explaining certain notions. Note-taking is a good thing, but students are able to take in the information that the instructor imparts to them without taking notes.

Constructivism On the other hand, reinforces the idea that people take in and interpret new information based on the previous experience and knowledge. That is, they are actively creating their own understanding and their perception about reality. The constructivists think that for new knowledge to stick, learners have to actively engage in the process of learning.

So instead of lectures the constructivist instructors are more in favor of organizing interactive group activities and teaching students how to tackle problems as well as experiments to run and real-life situations to apply their knowledge to.

Examples of cognitive learning

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

Learning implicitly

Did you learn something you didn't intend to? If yes, then you've experienced an implicit learning. In implicit learning, you're usually not conscious of the entire process until the moment you notice that you possess a new ability/knowledge that you didn't have before.

Some of the things you could learn implicitly include walking, talking, and even typing fast without looking at your keyboard.

Learning explicit

Explicit learning happens when you actively seek out knowledge. Unlike implicit learning, explicit learning requires you to continually focus and dedicate effort to become proficient at the subject you're studying. Examples of learning that is explicit include taking an online course to master content marketing, or returning to college to get a new degree.

Cooperative or collaborative learning

This type of learning comprises four components, including:

  • Personal responsibility: Although people work together as a group, each person must have responsibilities they are solely responsible for.
  • Multi-channel interaction: All members of the group must be able to engage in discussions on the subject they're studying and how they're each utilizing their learning.
  • Positive interdependence Although each member within the group must have the responsibility for their individual, they should also be able to seek help from others whenever they require it.
  • Participation equal: When it comes to collaboration learning, everyone of the group is equal. No one holds more status or has a higher rank than others.

Discovery learning

If you are constantly seeking for new information by conducting studies on the latest concepts, ideas, or topics, you're engaging in learning through discovery. For example, if you're writing an essay and you need to use tools like Hemingway Editor to edit and proofread it, you'll be understanding more about the editing software by observing.

Learner-centered

Meaningful learning happens in the context of relating the new knowledge to previous experiences. The result is usually transferable skills that are applicable to other aspects of life, such as school and work. A good example of a meaningful education is when you work in marketing and you take a marketing strategy course to increase your knowledge of the subject.

Learning to be emotionally

Learning to manage emotions involves learning how to control their emotions, understand other people's emotions, and improve their emotional intelligence. No matter what you do in your job, high emotional intelligence is a key role in how you exhibit compassion, interact with other people as well as manage interactions with colleagues and other people.

For example, emotional learning helps you to interact positively with both introverts and extroverts in whatever setting that you're involved in. In the case of customer service, knowing how to deal with your emotions as well as understand other people's feelings will help you navigate your interactions with customers.

Experiential learning

The word "experience" is used to describe the fact that experience is the best teacher. Experience allows you to recognize and learn important life lessons learned from your interactions with other people. However, what you learn from these interactions is contingent on the way you view them.

That means two people may have the same experience, but learn distinct learnings from the experience. As an example, if you work with your CEO as a shadow in the workplace, you could be taught the value of leadership by example. Someone within your role could learn how to hold an effective board meeting.

The value of your experiences is contingent on how well you reflect on the event and connect it with the present or past events.

Learning by observation

It is a method of learning by imitating others who have skills and traits you wish to acquire. Although this kind of learning can be found in children (as they emulate adults) but adults utilize it in specific situations. You can, for instance, improve your leadership qualities by imitating your boss at the workplace. It is also possible to become a stronger team player by mimicking the habits of great team players you collaborate with.

Learner receptive

If you learn in lectures, where the teacher sits in the center of the room and explains a topic while you are able to listen, you're practicing receptive learning. Learning this way requires participants to be active in asking questions and taking down notes.

A good example of learning through receptive can be when your institution or work invites professionals to teach your class or team in a classroom hall, workshop, or classroom in a workshop.

Non-associative Learning

Non-associative learning involves adapting to a new thing or situation through repeated exposure. This type of learning is classified into two types: habituation and sensitization.

The term "habituation" refers to learning through the habit of doing something. This means that your reaction to an event (or the situation) diminishes as you are exposed to the stimulus. For example, if you're moving into a house near an railway station, you could be disturbed by the sounds of trains moving on the other side for a while. However, as you stay there, it isn't as bothersome as you'll be able to get used to the sound.

Sensitization is, however it means that the way you react to a stimulus (or circumstance) is enhanced with time exposure to it. For instance, if you start a new job as a receptionist will notice right away when the phone at work is ringing. But as you stay longer at your job, you become more attuned to the sounds of the telephone.

The benefits of Cognitive Learning

If you want 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 actions. A hands-on approach to learning helps students understand the nuances of the subject and the way they can apply it in real-life situations.

Improved problem-solving abilities

Cognitive learning equips people with the necessary skills to tackle difficult issues quickly and effectively. These abilities are essential at any level of leadership regardless of the context.

Learning habits that continue to improve

The process of cognitive learning encourages the enjoyment of learning, by making the process of acquiring new information enjoyable and stimulating. Instead of passively listening to information that is new the cognitive process lets you use your knowledge and make connections between the knowledge you're acquiring and what you already have learned.

Increased confidence

As you develop a deeper knowledge of new subjects by using cognitive training and practice, you'll improve your capabilities and gain greater confidence when carrying out tasks.

Faster learning

As you gain new knowledge via cognitive learning, you'll find some learning strategies that will benefit your needs. When you've figured out these techniques, you'll be able to gain knowledge much quicker and in the near future.

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

Spaced learning/repetition

However, the difference is that all three sessions will cover the exact same topic, but in different ways. As an example, the beginning learning time could consist of the video of a professor discussing the subject. It could also be a test that tests students on their comprehension of the material that were given in the first lesson. In the final part, it could involve applying new knowledge to complete a assignment.

Ten minutes of breaks between each lesson prevent an overload of information for learners. But, breaks do not have to be a time for idleness and you could incorporate distraction tasks like remembering words or working out in a way that doesn't relate to the subject you're teaching.

Studies show that spatial learning is an extremely effective learning method that can produce excellent results on tests and lasting memory recall.

Reflection

In learning, reflection involves having students write down what they've learned during the course, and their lack of understanding and what they feel the teacher can help them more effectively.

While this learning method usually is done at the end of class, you can include a reflective activity at the end of each subtopic you teach within your online class. They'll help your students know where they're excelling and where they're failing, which means they can revisit the difficult subjects. Students will also use that moment to make links between the new knowledge and their prior understanding.

Encourage your learners to email their reflection activities to you via an email. This is vital because it will can show you:

  • What are your students doing in comprehending the topic
  • How effective is your method of teaching style(s) is
  • What topic(s) you weren't able to explain effectively?

When you have this information then you can make changes to your class and assist your students to achieve more effective results.

Graphic organizers

Graphic organizers are visual representations which show connections between ideas, information, and ideas. The most common examples of graphic organizers are pie charts, bar chart, flow charts mind maps, and spider diagrams.

The organizers let students to:

  • Think deeply about an issue
  • Visualize the process and procedures
  • Organise your thoughts
  • Make connections between the latest information and what they've learnt previously

It is possible to use these techniques in your class to communicate information and assist students develop their thinking abilities. Arranging their ideas into comprehensive patterns can aid students in developing more comprehension of the subject.

Note-taking

Note-taking is one of the most efficient methods for students to increase their listening abilities, comprehension of the topic, and memory retention. Encourage your pupils to note down salient points as they move through your course.

Not only does writing down the purpose and meaning of ideas make them more readable, but note-takers end up having a resource that they are able to revisit at any time if they forget something.

Incorporate cognitive learning strategies into your online courses