Cognitivist theories emerged in the late 1950s and early 1960s as a reaction against the previously dominant paradigm; whereas behaviourism focused on observable behaviour and the response of humans to environmental stimuli, cognitivism took into account the human mind and complex processes of the mind such as thinking, problem solving, and memory ( schunk 2004/2007b).Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Noam chomsky challenged behavioral approaches in the 1950’s through his critique of B.F. Skinner’s book, verbal behavior (chomsky, 1967). Albert bandura’s social learning theory (later known as social cognitive theory), stressed observational learning and was seen as a bridge between behaviorist and cognitive learning theories.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom currently, cognitivism underlies the major theoretical perspectives of learning (schunk, 2004/2007b).

Behaviorist, cognitivist, and constructivist ideas and principles overlap in many areas (ally, 2008).Cognitive learning theory in the classroom therefore, classifying theories is challenging; some theories fit in more than one classification and different sources classify the theories in different ways.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom for example, in some sources jerome bruner‘s discovery learning theory is classified as cognitive (using the web for learning: background, n.D.) and not developmental (cognitive theories of learning, n.D.).Cognitive learning theory in the classroom in other sources, bruner is deemed developmental (driscoll, 2005/2007). In still other sources, bruner is considered constructivist (learning theories knowledgebase, 2009).Cognitive learning theory in the classroom in addition, albert bandura is often classified as a behaviorist; however, bandura, himself, claimed that he was never a behaviorist (from behaviorism to social cognition??, n.D.).Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Cognitive tools are “generalizable computer tools that are intended to engage and facilitate cognitive processing” (kommers, jonassen, & mayes, 1992, as cited in jonassen, n.D., purpose ).Cognitive learning theory in the classroom in addition, “cognitive tools and environments activate cognitive learning strategies and critical thinking” (jonassen, n.D., learners as thinkers).Cognitive learning theory in the classroom although cognitive tools are deemed useful for constructivist approaches, they are also relevant for cognitive approaches; they they go beyond technologies such as intelligent tutoring systems(cognitivist due to their efficient delivery of information and immediate feedback), and further engagement, reflection, and critical thinking skills (cognitive tools, n.D.; jonassen, n.D.)

cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Cognitivist approaches to learning are relevant to today’s educators. Pratt (n.D.) cautions “while I do not argue with the basic tenets of constructivism, I do resist the rush to adopt any single, dominant view of learning or teaching” (p. 1).Cognitive learning theory in the classroom hung (2001) advises that “instead of regarding the different learning theories as discordant, we rather adopt the instructional approaches derived from each of the learning theories and situate them in the appropriate instructional context based on the learning objectives” (conclusion).Cognitive learning theory in the classroom ertmer and newby (1993) suggest that the best theoretical approach depends on the learner’s experience with the knowledge, and the level of cognitive processing required by the task; behaviourist approaches can allow the learner to master content (know what), cognitivist approaches are better for problem-solving with facts and rules applied in unfamiliar situations (know how), and constructivist approaches are better for ill-defined problems (reflection-in-action).Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

In a distributed learning (DL) program, parents are very involved in helping their children learn. The parents are not trained teachers, and have difficulty with using pedagogy to inform their practices at home.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom the parents find value in the efficient delivery method inherent in cognitivist approaches. DL students in programs that have social/interactive components ( face-to-face classes or online discussions) can use the knowledge and skills learned from a cognitivist approach, from content to critical thinking and problem-solving strategies, to engage in knowledge construction.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom pratt (n.D.) states “that teachers are ‘pedagogical engineers’ with the responsibility to plan a lesson(s) with the most relevant instructional approaches and technologies at his or her disposal” (conclusion).Cognitive learning theory in the classroom in a DL program, it is the teacher’s responsibility to understand the needs of parents and learners; this makes it even more important that teachers understand and choose the most relevant approach.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom