Cognitivism is a learning theory where students learn by experiencing information through their senses and relating new concepts to prior knowledge stored in their brain. Learners build on their mental frameworks or "schemas" as they gain new information, which is stored in metaphorical filing cabinets in the brain. Key theorists include Vygotsky, who developed the idea of the Zone of Proximal Development, and Bruner, who believed learning occurs through active discovery and engagement. Teaching strategies associated with cognitivism focus on critical thinking, problem solving, and the use of graphic organizers to help students relate new ideas to existing knowledge.