Cognitivism focuses on internal mental processes of learning rather than outward behaviors. It developed in reaction to behaviorism which ignored thinking. Theorists like Paivio, Gagne, and Gardner contributed key concepts - Paivio's dual coding theory emphasized visual and verbal learning; Gagne identified five types of learning and principles for instruction; Gardner proposed multiple intelligences. Under cognitivism, teachers should create engaging environments, ask questions, and use varied teaching methods while students think deeply to develop understanding.