Psychology - Cognitive

Cognitive Learning Theory

Master

Info: Write a paragraph (1) in which you identify one principle from cognitive learning theory and discuss two implications of the theory for instruction or assessment. . (The implications you discuss should be your ideas and not ones that are discussed in the textbook.)

Exemplary Response:

• Accurate statement of a principle of cognitive (constructivist) learning theory

• Discusses two original, reasonable implications which follow logically from the theory

Cognitive learning theory has as one of its principles "Learners construct knowledge and understandings within a social context." In other words, students should learn in a group setting. Interaction, discussion, and collaboration with fellow students are a way to engage the pupil in active, rather than passive learning. Further, knowledge is constructed from the setting itself. Teamwork and effective communication techniques are developed as a result of the setting.

Constructing knowledge and understandings within a social context can be achieved any number of ways. For example, for students to learn from the social context itself, group activities should be created that combine relevant role-playing with course material. These activities might look like a shopkeeper-customer scenario; both students learning math, the names of food, and relevant social skills. The roles reinforce socially appropriate, normative behavior, while the tasks required by those roles cultivate, reinforce and add on to students' already existing technical knowledge. Arguably, the everyday experience of going to the store is relevant to most students, and represents knowledge which is "added onto" in this scenario.

Another way to construct knowledge within a social context is in the form of debate. Students are required to first build their knowledge around factual information and use logic to mold it into a position. Presenting their argument in debate form, students are required to understand their subjects on a detailed level, adding to their knowledge base. Further, argument and communication skills are cultivated through the process of debate; that is, by the context itself. While debate as a form of communication is not necessarily relevant to the typical student, the practice of logically justifying an argument's points is an everyday occurrence. Debate classes are logical extensions.