COGNITIVIST LEARNING THEORY

WHAT IS COGNITIVIST LEARNING THEORY?

Active process of constructing knowledge rather

than acquiring it

Behavior analysis measures the effect of these

activities on learning

Different than Behaviorism because thinking plays

a major role

THEORY CONTRIBUTORS

Allan Paivio (1925-)

Verbal and Visual combinations help people recall

information
Dual Coding Theory
People process information in two ways:
Images
Language
Three sub categories:
Representational Referential- nonverbal cues activate verbal processes (or
vice versa)
Associative- Both text and graphics are used for mental
recognition

THEORY CONTRIBUTORS

Robert Gagne (1916-2002)

Concepts build on one another

Building Block Principle:

Verbal Information (base)
Intellectual Skills (midsection)
Cognitive Strategies (midsection)
Motor Skills (midsection)
Attitudes (apex)

Gain attention
Identify the objective
Recall prior learning
Present stimulus
Guide learning
Elicit the performance
Provide feedback
Assess performance
Enhance retention/ transfer

THEORY CONTRIBUTORS

Howard Gardner (1943-)

Theory of Multiple Intelligences:

People use 8 different intelligences to understand the world:

Linguistic-verbal
Logical-mathematical
Spatial-visual
Body-kinesthetic
Musical
Interpersonal
Intrapersonal
Naturalist

THEORY CONTRIBUTORS

Benjamin Bloom (1913-1999)

Most famous for creating Blooms Taxonomy

Six levels ranging simple to complex

Used to acquire knowledge about a subject:

Knowledge
Comprehension
Application
Analysis
Synthesis
Evaluation

CLASSROOM IMPLICATIONS

As an educator:

Without Technology:

Visual aids like posters and physical objects can be used to

reinforce concepts

With Technology:
Visual aids can be used again
Powerpoints
Document Cameras
Interactive tools that challenge students past the basics
Smart boards

CLASSROOM IMPLICATIONS

As a student:

Without Technology:
Students are supposed to push themselves to think
critically
Build on the concepts theyve already learned via
traditional avenues

With Technology:

Students are encouraged to test their theories and

hypothesis
Smart boards
Virtual programs

PERSONAL CRITIQUE OF COGNITIVISM

Cognitivism would work well with my style of

teaching

I can use interactive tools to engage students

It requires students to build on previous knowledge

Makes students rely on themselves for answers

Students have to think past the basics to answer questions

WORKS CITED

Theories:
Shelly, Gary, Glenda Gunter, and Randolph Gunter. Teachers
Discovering Computers: Integrating Technology and Digital
Media in the Classroom. 6th. Boston, Ma: Course Technology,
Cengage Learning, 2010. 369-76. Print.
http://www.learning-theories.com/cognitivism.html

Images:
http://www.frasermustardchair.ca/wpcontent/uploads/Building-Blocks-Building-Brains.jpg
http://school.discoveryeducation.com/clipart/images/thinkingc
apwhoa_color.gif
http://isobe.typepad.com/sketchpad/images/Thinking-TheBoxs.jpg