Cognitivism

Overview of Cognitivism

Cognitivism is a learning theory that focuses on how the mind receives, organizes, stores, and retrieves information (PHILO-notes, 2021). Learning is viewed as an internal mental process in contrast to behaviorism which prioritizes observable behavior.

Key Figures of Cognitivism Theory

Jerome Bruner

(1915-2016)

Bruner believed children are "active problem solvers" and construct knowledge and meaning through active experience with the world around them (McLeod, 2024).

Albert Bandura

(1925–2021)

Bandura's social cognitive theory emphasized the role of social experience, self-efficacy, and agency. His Bobo doll experiment highlighted that children imitate others regardless of where they have seen the behavior (Sprouts, 2022).

Lev Vygotsky

(1896–1934)

Believed social interaction is a part of the development thinking skills for children. Community plays a central role in the process of "making meaning" for cultural and social factors by adults foster children’s cognitive development by engaging them in challenging and meaningful activities.

Jean Piaget

(1896-1980)

Piaget theorized that the cognitive processes of children are distinct from those of adults. He concluded that their understanding is developed through engagement with their surroundings and is consistent with their cognitive capacities.

Figure 1, Rawia Inaim / Kwantlen Polytechnic University, ThoughtCo www.thoughtco.com/blooms-taxonomy-the-incredible-teaching-tool-2081869

Implications of Cognitivism for Instructional Design

Cognitivists are concerned with what learners know and how they come to acquire it, when a learners' schemata are changed, learning takes place (PHILO-notes, 2021). Cognitive learning theories focus on the ability of students to guide their own learning using mental strategies. (Kimmons, 2022). A learner's ability is not confined to observable behavior from the environment but the way the learner "interprets and tries to make sense of the environment" (Kimmons, 2022). Widely used Bloom Taxonomies (Figure 1) of objectives shows that there is a hierarchy of learning and learners progress from remembering to creating. It is a helpful tool for instructional designers to reflect on when constructing materials for learners.

Strengths and Limitations of Cognitivism in

K-12 EdTech

Strengths in K-12 Educational Technology (EdTech)

Scaffolding- Educators now have infinite resources due to educational tools to scaffold student learning. Students can tackle challenges further facilitating their cognitive growth and teachers have the opportunity to accommodate and assist learners of varying levels. EdTech companies save teachers' time in finding resources for students by providing lesson plans and instructional materials. It also supports Bruner's theory of active learning by exposing students to materials that activate meaningful engagement.
Self-regulated learning- Like other cognitivist theories, this assumes that students are actively involved in the learning process, showing initiative, perseverance, and adaptive skills in pursuing the learning, be it on their own or through social interaction (Zimmerman, 2001 as cited in Kimmons, 2022). The edtech industry has contributed to the learner-centered approach by providing students with opportunities for self-efficacy. Students are more inclined to have intrinsic motivation from mastery of challenging levels and building higher-order thinking skills.

Limitations in K-12 Educational Technology (EdTech)

Cognitive Overload- This is for both teachers and students. Teachers might be overwhelmed by all the digital materials provided and feel there isn't enough time to use everything accordingly. The digital tool might provide a suggested time for each student to complete a certain level for benchmark achievement, however, it may not take into consideration the bigger picture of guiding teachers through the process. It may be difficult for teachers to translate three data reports into a lesson plan that accommodates all learners. As for students, being mindful of how the approach is for students with eLearning reduces the chances of cognitive overload. Though there are options for students to learn virtually and have autonomy with their learning, digital tools with various types of videos and educational programs can only provide so much for social development. Extraneous cognitive load such as animations that add nothing to the learning experience can be a distraction for students making learning more difficult.

Cognitive in Instructional Material

Addressing Cognitive Load

Lexia Lessons from Lexia Learning guides teachers on how to teach blending syllables. It starts with direct instruction, followed by guided practice then independent practice. To wrap up the lesson, there is a suggested check for understanding teachers will perform and students will perform online activities in Core5 Reading.

The lesson addresses the principles of Bruner's concept of scaffolding for students who need more support or can advance with blending syllables. Children are "active problem solvers" throughout the learning process and are given opportunities of varying levels to reinforce their understanding. Students can construct meaning from the guided and independent practice followed by the online activities.

Instructional Material Sample

References

Blending Syllables, Lexia Learning, https://www.lexialearningresources.com/athome/core5/ll/phonological-awareness/LL_PA_Blending_Syllables.pdf

Guyan, M. (2013, November 1). 5 Ways to Reduce Cognitive Load in eLearning. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/5-ways-to-reduce-cognitive-load-in-elearning

Kimmons, R. (2022). Education Research Across Multiple Paradigms. https://doi.org/10.59668/133

McLeod, S. (2024, February 1). Jerome Bruner’s Theory of Learning and Cognitive Development. SimplyPsychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/bruner.html

McLeod, S. (2024, January 24). Vygotsky’s Theory of Cognitive Development. SimplyPsychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/vygotsky.html

PHILO-notes. (2021, November 1). What is Cognitivism? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFZs7I4FxP4

Sprouts. (2022, April 28). Social Learning Theory: Bandura’s Bobo Beatdown Experiments [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHIhkM1cAv4&feature=youtu.be

Page updated

Report abuse