Cognitive theory views learning as a process of mentally organizing and relating new information to prior knowledge. It emphasizes mental processes over behaviorism's stimulus-response model. Major contributors include Chomsky, Bruner, and Ausubel. Cognitive theory informs teaching methods by viewing students as active information processors and problem solvers. Teachers should grasp attention, plan instruction, and develop cognitive skills. Recommended methods include graphic organizers, discussions, and audiovisual aids to help students encode and retrieve information. Applying cognitive theory in EFL, teachers may use pictures to teach vocabulary or plays to teach stories.

1. Cognitive Theory and EFL
Teaching and Learning
Course: CUTM 6102/ SQU
Done by: Noor Said Al-Maashani
ID: 53573
Date: 30. Oct. 2013

2. Outline:1. Introduction
2. Major contributors to the theory
3. Details about the theory
3.1 General assumptions of the theory
3.2 Explanation of mental/ informational processes
4. Cognitive theory and learning
4.1 How the learner is viewed
4.2 Recommended study strategies
4.3 Teacher’s role
4.4Recommended teaching methods and materials
5. The applications of the theory in EFL
6. The references

3. 1. Introduction
Cognitive theory is a learning theory that caused a
revolution in 1960s against the behaviorism theory,
rejected and replaced it.
The theory;
• views human beings as logical beings who make the
choices which make sense to them.
• explains human behavior through understanding
the thought processes.
• emphasizes mental processes and rejects the simple
cause and effect concept of behaviorism.

5. 2. Major Contributors to the Development
of the Theory
Noam Chomsky
Bruner, Goodnow, and Austin
Ulric Neisser
David Ausubel
Robert Gagne’
The Gestalt psychologists of Germany
Benjaman Bloom

8. 3. Details
about
the Theory

9. 3.1 General Assumptions of the Theory
• Thinking, memory and problem- solving must be explored.
• Learning involves the formation of mental associations that
are not necessarily reflected in overt behavior changes.
• Learning is a process of relating new information to
previously learned information.
• knowledge is organized.
• Meaningful Learning is emphasized over rote learning

10. 3.2 Explanation of the Mental Process
Information Processing Learning Theory
( a dominant theory of learning and memory since
the mid- 1970s)
It compares human mind to a computer

13. Basic Concepts
Learning vs. Memory
Storage
Encoding
Retrieval

14. 4. Cognitive Theory and
Learning

15. 4.1 How is Learner viewed?
• Information selector
• Information processor
• Information organizer
• Critical thinker
• Problem- solver
• Active learner
• Interactive
• Attentive
• Motivated

16. 4.2 Recommended Learning Strategies
• Note- taking
• Underlining
• Summarizing
• Writing to learn
• Outlining & mapping
• Using questioning techniques

17. 4.3 Role of the Teacher
• grasps and sustains attention
• stimulates
• plans
• organizes
• creates
• facilitates
• motivates
• develops intelligence and cognitive and metacognitive
skills
• improves students’ concept retention

18. 4.4 Recommended Methods and Materials
• Rehearsing
• Discussions
• Projects
• Plays
• Audio- visual aids
• Graphic organizers
• Computer programs
• Demonstration and illustration

19. 5. The Application of Cognitive Theory in
EFL
Examples:
• Using posters to teach grammar
• Using pictures to teach vocabulary
• Using plays to teach stories
• Using graphic organizers to teach vocabulary and
support reading comprehension

23. The References
• Borden, D. & Fahringer, C. Cognitivim Learning and Mind. Retrieved [2013, October 29] from
http://www.slideshare.net/dborden/cognitivism-with-voice-over
• Cuna, E. Cognitive Theory. Retrieved [2013, October 29] from
http://erincunia.com/portfolio/MSportfolio/ide621/ide621f03production/cognitive.htm
• Fritscher, L. (2011,April12). Cognitive Theory. Retrieved [2013, October 28] from
http://phobias.about.com/od/glossary/g/cognitivethedef.htm
• Hall, T., & Strangman, N. (2002). Graphic organizers. Wakefield, MA: National Center on Accessing the General Curriculum.
Retrieved [2013, October 28] from
http://aim.cast.org/learn/historyarchive/backgroundpapers/graphic_organizers#.Um9xWaSNXVI
• Information Processing learning Theory. Retrieved [ 2013, October 28] from
http://effectivetechnologyintegrationideas.wikispaces.com/Information+Processing+Learning+Theory
• Information Processing Theory. Retrieved [2013, october28] from http://www.etsu.edu/fsi/learning/infoprocessing.aspx
• Teresa, B. Cognitivism. Retrieved [2013, October 29] from http://www.slideshare.net/mandysmama/teresab-cognitivism-
12286111
•
• The Moodle: Information Processing and Cognitive Theories of Learning