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Cognitivism is a learning theory in Psychology.
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- 2. DEFINITION Cognitivism isa theory in psychology that focuses on how the mind receives, processes, organizes, stores and retrieves information.(Brain based learning) Replaced Behaviorism in 1960. Proposed by Jean Piaget Derived from Latin word, 'cognoscere' , meaning knowing and information.
- 3. Schemas and processof information storage Mental structures or cognitive frameworks that guide the encoding of new information and facilitate its integration into existing knowledge structures. The information storage can be of several stages: Initially processed in Short Term Memory where it is temporarily held and actively worked on. Effective encoding happens when meaningful associations occur in short term memory and it is transferred to Long Term Memory. The organized information in long term memory forms cognitive structures called schema.
- 4. Cognitive map Thecognitive map represents the sum of all the learning that have been encountered so far. When the learner learns new things , cognitive map are redrawn. It is a mental picture or representation that a person creates in their mind to understand, organize and remember information about places, relationships or concepts. The learner is given more importance in Cognitive learning.
- 5. Example Cognitive map-Knowingthe route from your home to school without needing directions. Schema -Consider how a young child develop a schema for a horse. They know that a horse is large and has hair, four legs, and a tail. When the child encounters a cow, they might initially call it a horse. Once the child is told that it is a cow, they will modify their existing schema and create a schema for a cow.
- 6. Bandura – SocialLearning Theory * Learning through observation & modeling. * Internal processes: attention, retention, reproduction, motivation. * Shifted focus from behavior to mental processing.
- 7. Gestalt views oflearning Learning as insight & holistic perception. Emphasis on patterns, relationships, and problem- solving. Foundation for concepts like schema & mental maps.
- 8. Kurt Levin's FieldTheory of Learning Behavior = function of person + environment. Learning shaped by goals, motivation, and life space. Stressed context, prior knowledge and learner’s perspective.
- 9. Experiment with Apes– Gestalt theory
- 10. Explanation Conducted byWolfgang Köhler, a Gestalt psychologist. Setup: A chimpanzee (Sultan) placed in a cage with a banana out of reach and sticks/boxes inside. Initial attempts of Sultan was jumping and it failed. Sudden solution: Sultan stacked boxes to reach the banana. Significance: Proved that learning is not just trial-and-error (behaviorism) but also involves thinking, problem-solving, and cognition. Contribution: Strong evidence supporting cognitivism in learning theory.
- 11. Role of teachersand learners Teachers – facilitators of learning , design activities to stimulate cognitive processes , provide guidance. Learners – critical thinking , reflection, metacognition.
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- 13. Major Contributors ofCognitivism Jean Piaget – Known for cognitive development theory Lev Vygotsky - Zone of Proximal Development Jerome Bruner - Discovery learning, Scaffolding. David Ausubel - Meaningful verbal learning.
- 14. Important works JeanPiaget -'The Language and Thought of the child'(1923),The Child's conception of the world(1929) Lev Vygotsky – Thought and Language (1934),Mind in Society(1978) Jerome Bruner- The Process of Education (1960), Toward a Theory of Instruction(1966) David Ausubel – Educational Psychology(1968),The Psychology of Meaningful Verbal Learning(1963)
- 15. Advantages Promotes Metacognition Supporting long term retention Encourages active learning Improves problem solving skills Focus on understanding Applicable across subjects
- 16. Limitations Ignores emotionsand motivation in learning. Overemphasis on the mind. Difficult to apply directly in real classroom situations. Neglects cultural and individual differences in thinking. Gives less importance to practice and observable behavior.
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