Cognitivism Theory Blog

Cognitive learning theory views the mind of the learner like a computer.  The learner should receive a variety of sensory inputs while they experience, process, and catalog the information.  Students are repeatedly exposed to the material until they are able to permanently acquire the new knowledge.  One of the major strengths of cognitive learning theory is the efficiency with which material can be covered.  This is particularly important for courses in STEM fields where a large amount of critical information must be mastered.  The efficiency of cognitive learning is viewed by some as a negative due to the stifling of individual student creativity.  Opponents of cognitive learning theory argue that students are not computers to be programmed and that there should be more active engagement in the learning process.  However, this is an oversimplified criticism.  Under cognitive learning theory, students do not just memorize facts.  They take information presented to them, internalize it, and then apply it in their own way.

I apply cognitive learning theory in my online courses by providing my students with highly detailed notes, videos, and practice problems.  In my notes, I present all relevant definitions, theorems and strategies.  Then I provide several annotated examples.  In the videos, I present sample problems while explaining each step in great detail and making comments on general trends and patterns that appear. Students read the notes and watch the videos repeatedly, internalize the information, and then apply it to the homework assignments, quizzes, and tests.