Cognitivism as a Learning Theory

     In education and psychology learning theories attempt to describe how people think and learn, providing insight into the complex process of learning. Cognitivism seeks to look beyond simply behavior and explain brain-based learning.  I share the belief that each learning theory is not complete nor is it stand-alone in its own right (Kerr, 2007).  Each learning theory has its place in education and the strengths of each these theories is reason alone for them to remain and not be abandoned. I share Kapp's theory that learning is not one thing, but a multi-layer process that can not be described or encompassed by just one school of thought.

     Some learning processes are better suited for the behaviorist approach such as memorization, recalling, labeling, and recognizing.  Some learning processes are better suited for the cognivist approach such as rules, rituals, and routines.   Neither cognitivism, constructivism, or behaviorism fully explain the learning process and how children or adults learn (Kapp, 2007).  There is no one size fits all theory that will cover all aspects of the learning process, and as human knowledge is expanded and understanding of the brain grows, so will the understanding of how humans learn. 

Kerr, B. (2007, January 1). _isms as filter, not blinker [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html

Kapp, K. (2007, January 2). Out and about: Discussion on educational schools of thought [Web log post].   Retrieved from http://www.kaplaneduneering.com/kappnotes/index.php/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational/


I responded to the following blog(s): 

Sullus Teague

http://sullusteagueeduc-8845.blogspot.com/2011/03/cognitivism-as-learning-theory-module-2.html#comments

I responded to an additional blog, but I can not remember who it belonged to, so I am unable to locate it. 

Module One Blog Post: Theories...How many of us have them?

Ask any educator what their theory of education is, and I am sure they will clearly respond with Constructivist, Behaviorist, Environmentalist, etc. etc.  But when probed on what all that theory entails and why they feel so strongly about that particular theory, well, that is where the water gets a little muddy. 

I can not say by any means that I am a strict behaviorist, nor can I say I am a strict constructivist.  What I am as an educator is an evolvist.  With each class and each group of learners my theory of education and philosophy of how children will learn best, evolves to meet the needs of those learners.  With my current group of learners I am using more of a constructivist approach.  I have a group of students who have come to me with a wide range of life experiences, some with very few experiences and some with a plethora.  Each of these children are unique with unique background experiences, and these experiences influence how they learn and how they interact with their environment.  Because of this I use a lot of cooperative grouping strategies where students are paired up or put into small groups where each of their strengths can be utilized.  I am a facilitator in this group, I guide children in the direction in which they should go, but I let them take on a big responsibility for their learning, because they are ready for it.  Next year, I may have a group of learners who is not ready to take charge of their learning or know the power that they yield within in themselves for learning, so I will change the theory that guides my instruction.  They key to any theory is that it is not the "quick fix" or the one size fits all approach.  Theory is just that, theory.  What we do with those theories is adapt them evolve with them and mesh them together to ensure that we reach every learner.

Below are some blogs that I found interesting about learning theory and educational technology. 

http://connectivism.ca/blog/2005/09/whats_wrong_with_established_t.html

http://michaelhanley.ie/elearningcurve/aligning-learning-theory-with-instructional-design/2009/05/21/


I responded to the following blogs

Charles Price

http://mrcsviewfromthetop.blogspot.com/2011/03/what-are-my-beliefs-about-how-people.html#comments

Stephen Anane-Boyake

http://ananeboakye.wordpress.com/2011/03/16/learning-theory-and-educational-technology-module-1-educ-8845/#comments