Cognitive learning theory is a different kind of approach to learning that explains how people acquire, retrieve, and use knowledge by the means of internal mental processes. This theory emphasises on perception, hypothesis, generalization and problem solving. Context of cognitive learning theory is to understand how learner acquires knowledge and skills by using his cognitive or mental processes and how to make it more better.
Features of cognitive learning theory
Clearly, it mainly focuses on the internal mental processes like attention, perception, concept formation, retrieval of information, etc. As per this theory, learning can be meaningful only when we connect newer knowledge with existing one. By doing so, knowledge gap can be filled which in turn make better sense of world we work.
In the cognitive learning, learner actively participate in the learning process by the different ways and means like discussions, debates, arguments etc. Whereas, passive learners just attend lecture, receive information.
Unlike rote learning, cognitive learning focuses on understanding of concepts. As you know rote learning emphasizes on memorization. Finally, in cognitive learning theory or approach, learner can develop his own knowledge base based on his experience and cognition.
Cognition vs Metacognition
Both Cognition and metacognition are at the center of the cognitive learning theory. Cognition is a term that refers to the mental processes involved in knowing, including thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving. Here are the major types of cognitive processes:
1.Perception: The ability to sense and interpret the world through the senses.
2.Attention: The capacity to focus on specific stimuli and ignore others.
3.Memory: The ability to encode, store, and retrieve information.
4.Language: The use of words and symbols to communicate thoughts and ideas.
5.Thinking: The ability to reason, solve problems, and make decisions.
What does Metacognition means?
Metacognition is about thinking or understanding about own thinking style. It involves being aware of your own cognitive processes. By developing such skills one can definitely improve performance and self-awareness. In other words, if you know what are the weaknesses in your thought process, you can easily improve that to make it more effective.
Prerequisite conditions for cognitive learning
There are certain conditions need to be met in the cognitive learning. Here are major prerequisites:
1. Existing knowledge or prior knowledge
Prior knowledge is very essentials to interpret newer information by the help of existing knowledge. Second is schemas (mental frameworks) to shape how new information is understood and assimilated.
2.Active cognition in Learning:
Learner should use above mentioned cognitive processes effectively. Learners actively use of mental processes (like attention, perception, and memory, language) will help to make sense of their experiences and process new information.
3. Knowledge construction
It is highly important to construct newer knowledge. In cognitive learning, learners actively construct knowledge by interpreting and integrating new information with their existing knowledge.
4. Social context
Finally, social interaction supports learning and knowledge sharing. So, it is also vital. To work properly, cognitive learning should fulfill these conditions.
Four key concepts of cognitive learning
There are four key concepts that are widely used to explain this theory. They are schema, accommodation, assimilation, and equilibrium.
Schema
Schema is nothing but Mental frameworks that help individuals understand and interpret the world. It is like whole of mental processes.
Accomodation
Second, accommodation is Modifying existing knowledge (schemas) to fit new information. It means making necessary changes in existing framework. For example, if a mango tree bear fruits, that doesn’t mean every tree bear mango. The kid need to modify his schema to accommodate new information.
Assimilation
Third is assimilation. In this stage, there is no need to change existing schema but fix in new information. For example, if a student already know english grammar, he can use the grammar schema for French or Spanish language too.
Equilibrium
Final and fourth is equilibrium. It means there is state of balance between existing schema of student and newer information he is facing. For example, if a child already know the word cattle, he doesn’t need to change his cattle schema to incorporate calf, cow, ox, etc.
Proponents of cognitive learning theory
Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, and Albert Bandura are the major figures in the development of cognitive learning. Swiss psychologist, jean piaget, in his theory, focused on stages of cognitive development in child like sensorimotor (birth to 2 years), preoperational (2-7 years), concrete operational (7-11 years), and formal operational (12 years and up).
Through these stages he explains how child’s cognitive development evolves and how the schema undergoes necessary changes.
Jerome Bruner believed that learning should be a meaningful and active process. So he emphasizes on discovery learning. Both Piaget and Bruner focus on cognitive development. But Bruner focuses on discovery learning whereas, Piaget in favor of individual thinking.
Vygotsky’s work focuses on the social and cultural aspects of learning, highlighting the importance of interaction and collaboration in cognitive development.
Apart from these, there are various other theorists as well who richly contributed in the cognitive learning theory.
Last words on cognitive learning theory,
So far, we have learnt that cognitive learning theory is so useful in understanding the mental process by which individual can acquire, retain, and use knowledge and skills. Further, it also elaborates that individual makes necessary changes to his schema or mental framework to incorporate new information. This theory in detailed describe the various premises like existing knowledge, active learning, knowledge construction, and schema to perform cognitive learning. And finally, in this article, I explained about various cognitive theorists contributed in the cognitive learning. I hope this piece of writing will help you to understand this theory effectively. And, you will use this to practice cognitive learning to learn new knowledge, skills and solve problems you facing. Cognitive domain.
https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/what-is-cognitive-learning-theory.html
https://www.wgu.edu/blog/what-is-cognitive-learning2003.html