Cognitivism as a Learning Theory - EDUC 8845 module 2

There is no specific definition for learning. Learning occurs when there is a change is learners’ packets of knowledge (Schemata). A learning process is dependent on several factors including environmental and cognitive aspects. Many learning theorists analyzed the learning process from varied perspectives and define learning based on their own perception. Learning theory describes how people learn, and the process of learning in order to help educators structure the teaching process that best suits a learner. With learning theories, the dominant frameworks are behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and more recently connectivism. Cognitivism focuses on the internal mental activities, and explores the mental processes such as thinking, memory, remembering, problem-solving in gaining knowledge. It looks beyond human respond to stimuli and learning is brain-based. According to Bill Kerr, what should we do about these isms as they keep evolving and do not stand still? In 1960s, the cognitivist revolution replaced behaviorism as the prevailing model, now in the 21st century, alternative models keep evolving. It is said that the connectivism is the learning theory for the digital age. What would be the next …ism? Learning through action and performance based on instruction (Behaviorism), moving to the level of comprehension inclusive of thinking, knowing and remembering (Cognitivism), creating new knowledge (Constructivism) and uniting the creative ideas (Connectivism) to form the next… ism.

The underlining factor is that we cannot do without any of these learning theories nor can a single theory thrives in a learning environment. Kapp in his blog post says “we need to take pieces from each school of thought and apply it effectively”. With the emergence of newer technologies, the learning process would continually be enhanced. For learning to be effective, the use a learning theory that best suits the learning environment is important.