What Is Cognitive Learning Theory?

Everyone learns differently, and several education learning theories have been developed to help try to understand the different types of learners and how to reach them. One of these theories is called Cognitive Learning Theory (CLT), which focuses on how the learning process is influenced by thought.

Understanding the cognitive approach to learning can help teachers guide their students by understanding how they think about learning. It also is an effective learning tool for students as they can use this process to understand their internal processes for learning.

What Is Cognitive Learning Theory?

Cognitive learning theory uses a process called metacognition to put a focus on how people think. With this baseline established around thought, theorists can then begin to see the result of these mental processes for behavior and learning.

A learner's thought processes are often informed by external factors and past experiences they've had in their life. These unique thought processes lead to a unique learning approach, according to cognitive learning theorists.

CLT derives many of its base concepts from the work of psychologist Jean Piaget work around cognitive development. Piaget's theory, among others, states that a person goes through multiple stages of development in their life where they develop new skills and new knowledge.

CLT takes these stages of development as a guide to see what skills and cognitive learning strategies are best for learners at different periods of a person's development.

A related field of psychology is cognitive behavioral theory which focuses on how thoughts impact observable behaviors. CLT and CBT are related because the thoughts of an individual will impact how they learn and what they do with their new knowledge.

Understanding Cognitivism

Cognitivism is a form of cognitive psychology that, unlike behaviorism, argues that a person's actions are less of a reflexive behavior and more of a conscious result of their thoughts. Behaviorists treat cognitive processes as behavior, while cognitivism treats behavior as a result of thoughts.

Because of this, a learning approach involving cognitivism will focus on a deeper understanding of how a person thinks to influence how they learn as thoughts are viewed as the start of the process as opposed to a concurrent behavior.

What Are the Main Cognitive Theories of Learning?

There are a few main types of cognitive learning that have developed since the 60s. Although many of the theories are similar, there are a few differences that will make some more applicable to other learners.

Cognitive Load Theory

Cognitive load theorists focus on the limits of short-term memory learning and the types of cognitive loads. This type of cognitive learning tries to process these learning loads from short-term memory to more reliable long-term memory. The learning environment needs to reduce what is called extraneous load, or distractions to help promote understanding and retention while creating a working memory and refining problem-solving skills.

Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning

One of the new concepts in the field of cognitive learning involves multimedia. As the availability of multimedia learning materials grows, using multimedia to promote meaningful learning is becoming more popular. Multimedia uses sight, sound, and other stimuli to deliver information to learners through different 'channels'. A multimedia-based learning experience can help learners engage in multiple different ways to find the best method for them.

Constructivism

Constructivism is a theory that knowledge is created instead of received. Any new knowledge that a learner creates is built on prior knowledge that they've learned. A constructivism-based cognitive learning process is focused on explicit learning, learning that is performed consciously, as opposed to implicit learning, which is more of a subconscious process.

Information Processing Theory

One of the oldest cognitive learning theories is the Information Processing theory (IPT). This theory approaches the mind as a computer that receives input, processes the information, and then outputs the information in the form of behavior. The fundamentals of this theory compare the human brain to a computer, replacing computing processes with mental processes.

Many theorists have been shifting away from Information Processing for a few reasons. Most of the evidence that supports this theory comes from laboratory and controlled experiences, as opposed to real-world experiential learning. Learning methods tested outside of laboratories include external stimuli and goals that alter how people learn.

What Is the Difference Between Cognitivism and Constructivism?

Although both learning theories involve looking at how social context, memorization, and social interaction impact thinking, they relate to different parts of the cognitive process.

Cognitivism focuses on how knowledge is acquired and the effects of different learning, primarily explicit learning and implicit learning. Constructivism focuses more on the assimilation of new knowledge with prior knowledge to form new cognitive processes.

Cognitive Learning Theory Examples

Cognitive Learning Theory is sometimes hard to wrap your head around, but you've probably been exposed to it as a learner without even realizing it.

Some of the most common examples of Cognitive Learning Theory in practice include:

• activities that employ problem-solving skills like puzzles, hypothetical scenarios, and other activities that force learners to apply prior knowledge
• social interaction and discussion to help learners understand their cognitive processes
• activities that focus on self-evaluation such as journaling

Benefits of Cognitive Learning

The main benefit of cognitive learning is that the processes developed can be applied to multiple scenarios ranging from learning to work. Cognitive learning lays the foundations for better thinking and learning. For employers, setting up training programs around cognitive learning theory will help employees learn in the best ways for them.

Applying Cognitivism in Education

The main way cognitivism applies to education is through the way that information is presented to learners. By promoting students to evaluate the way they think, they'll have a better understanding of how they'll learn. Promoting activities like discussion around thinking and introspection in the form of journaling will help apply principles of cognitivism to education.