Cognitive Learning Theory

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Cognitive Learning Theory (CLT) is about understanding how the human mind works
while people learn. The theory focuses on how information is processed by the brain, and
how learning occurs through that internal processing of information. It is based on the
idea that people mentally process the information they receive, rather than simply
responding to stimuli from their environment.

About the Cognitive Learning Theory

The Cognitive Learning Theory is a broad theory used to explain the mental processes and
how they are influenced by both internal and external factors in order to produce learning
in an individual. The theory is credited to Educational psychologist Jean Piaget. He
believed knowledge is something that is actively constructed by learners based on their
existing cognitive structures.

Piaget disagreed with the behaviorist theory which focuses strictly on observable behavior.
He concentrated more attention to what went on inside the learner’s head, instead of how
they reacted.

Behaviorists Approach vs. Cognitive Approach

The behaviorists approach only studies external observable behavior that can be
objectively measured. This theory is based on a stimulus and a person’s response to that
stimulus. Behaviorists believe that internal behavior cannot be studied because internal
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mental processes cannot be observed and objectively measured. In other words, we
cannot see what happens in a person’s mind, so therefore, we cannot measure it.

However, unlike behaviorism, the cognitive approach believes that internal mental
processes can be scientifically studied. It focuses on the thought process behind the
behavior. Cognitive psychologists believe in order to understand behavior, you have to
understand what goes on in the brain to cause the behavior. Therefore, the cognitive
approach to learning pays more attention to what goes on inside the learner’s head and
focuses on mental processes, rather than just observable behavior. Changes in behavior
are observed, but only as an indicator to what is going on in the learner’s brain.

The Cognitive Learning Process

Cognitive learning is centered on the mental processes by which the learner takes in,
interprets, stores, and retrieves information. These mental processes occur between
stimulus/input and response/output. The individual takes in the stimulus, processes it in
their mind, and then acts upon the stimulus. Those mental processes have several
elements including;

attention
observing
perception
interpreting
organizing
memory (storing and retrieval)
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 categorizing
forming generalizations

It is believed that individuals act on beliefs, thoughts, knowledge, attitudes, feelings, as

well as understanding about themselves and the environment when interpreting stimulus.

Links

Learning Theories

Cognitive Learning Theory

Social Cognitive Theory

Observational Learning

Cognitivism

Constructivism

Cognitive Learning

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