Cognitivism

Cognitivism is another learning theory.

• This theory states that learning is a relatively permanent change in mental representations or associations due to experience.
• It involves the building of connections in schema through the processes of assimilation and accommodation.

Key principles

1. Mental events are centrally involved in human learning.
2. Learning is a process of relating new material to previously learned information.
3. Knowledge is organized and learners are actively involved in the learning process.
4. Some learning processes are unique to human beings only
5. Learning may be shown by a change in behavior but learning can happen without behavioral change.
6. Cognitive processes(mental processes) are the focus of study.

Important Vocabulary

• Schema: a mental framework or concept that helps organize and interpret information; basic structure of human knowledge.
• Assimilation: fitting new information into existing schemas.
• Accommodation: information you already have has to be modified to take in the new information.
• Memory: Ability to recall information that was previously acquired.
• Encoding: modifying information that is being stored in memory so that it is easier to recall.
• Sensory Registration: refers to the first form of memory humans have. The sensory register takes in information through the five senses (sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch) and holds it for no more than a few seconds. This allows you to remember the information.
• Short-Term/Working Memory: first processing point for new information after sensory reception. Usually processed for less than one minute.
• Long-Term Memory: Information processed for more than 1 minute.
• Storage: Process of putting new information in memory.
• Retrieval: Process by which people find information previously acquired for use.
• Dual Storage Model: storage system of human memory that includes registry, short-term memory, long-term memory, retrieval, and control mechanisms.
• Episodic Memory: memory of one’s own personal life experiences.
• Declarative Knowledge: knowledge of how things were or are.
• Law of Similarity: similar things tend to appear grouped together.