Thoughts on the Cognitive Learning Theory

Cognitive learning is based on finding a hook or link that already exists in our students and connecting new information to it. It involves helping our students see designs or patterns and understand their development. Expanding our students' learning capabilities with higher order thinking activities and new technology tools is also an important element of cognitive learning. Students can now utilize technology to gather, examine, organize, design, and explore. By using cognitive learning tools in our classroom, students are more motivated and better able to see the meaning and relevance of lessons that replicate what they will be asked to do on the job. Dr. Michael Orey suggests that such tools afford our students a richer learning experience (Laureate Education, Inc. 2009). The cognitive learning theory is an approach to learning that focuses on building a framework so that our students are better able to learn, recall, and use information.

Cues, questions, and advance organizers are tools that can be used to shape the cognitive learning theory in our classrooms. Cues and questions help students recall previous knowledge, and advance organizers help students to categorize, summarize, and manage new information. According to Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski (2007): "Cues, questions, and advance organizers should focus on what is important rather than what is unusual" (p. 74). Application software like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel as well as concept maps are effective tools for our students to use when organizing or analyzing their work. They also help satisfy the varying learning styles of our students. Staying in line with the cognitive learning theory, these tools all aid in enhancing the learning experience and expanding on existing concepts.

Summarizing and note taking involve sifting through the information in order to classify, sort out, or categorize it. Again, the application software (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) and concept mapping can assist our students as they determine how to manage new information. Cognitive learning concentrates on enabling our students to better understand and remember concepts, and summarizing and note taking are two tools that offer increased exposure, higher-level thinking, and decision-making skills. Wikis and blogs are also helpful collaborative tools when students want to share information or learn from each other.

The cognitive learning theory helps our students identify academic relationships, organize them, and govern their use. When we follow this approach, our students are better able to develop and increase their level of learning.

References

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Program five. Cognitive Learning Theories [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Here is a link on the cognitive learning theory that you might like to explore:
http://www.learningrx.com/cognitive-learning-theory-faq.htm