Cognitive Learning Theory

1. Learning occurs through reflection, problem solving, discussions, recognizing patterns, connections, and justification.

2. Cognitivism is the idea that people learn by understanding their mental processes or the way that they think (Gould, 2019).

3. Learning is an internal process where information is received, retained, categorized and recalled when needed. The use of long-term memory is essential (Gould, 2019).

4. Jean Piaget is a major figure of cognitive learning whose work focused on external and internal forces and how these impact learning. However, the first great thinkers that focused on cognition or how people think are Plato and Rene Descartes. There is a famous quote by Descartes that comes to mind as I am learning about the Cognitive theory, "I think, therefore I am." (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016).

5. To support this theory educators should set up an environment for students to use inquiry, to fail (which in my class is called first attempt at learning), and to think out loud (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016). Thinking out loud is hard for students at first, so the activity should be modeled. For example, a political cartoon can be analyzed out loud with the class which is helpful to them when they must practice doing the same thing in partner groups. Higher level thinking skills and activities should be taught and used. Lessons should be specific and reinforce information (Bransford, 2000).

6. Characteristics of Cognitive Learning Theory include retaining information and using it for a particular task also called working memory. Metacognition is also a characteristic that involves thinking about your thinking and understanding how you think which allows more control and therefore success in learning and behavior (Ornstein & Hunkins, 2016).