Cognitive Views of Learning

Learning is extremely complex, but understanding the cognitive views of learning helps us to understand how the brain works and how we learn.  The cognitive view says that knowledge is learned, and changes in knowledge make changes in behavior possible.  This view also suggests that one of the most important elements in the learning process is knowledge that the individual brings to the learning situation.  The brain impacts and is impacted by learning.  Memory also plays an important role in learning, however memory can be just as complex as learning.

The video below helps us to understand how the memory works:

As the video explains a lot of information we come in contact with is forgotten.  Both the sensory memory and short-term memory forget a lot of information, and can only store a small amount of information at a time.  Our brains function much like a computer functions.

According to an article by Sarah Mae Sincero (2011), https://explorable.com/cognitive-learning-theory, cognitive views of learning can be divided into two specific theories: the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), and the Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT).   "Cognitive Learning Theory implies that the different processes concerning learning can be explained by analyzing the mental processes first. It posits that with effective cognitive processes, learning is easier and new information can be stored in the memory for a long time (Sincero)."  She explains that there are three variables to the Social Cognitive Theory: behavioral, environmental, and personal factors.  Each of these factors can impact each other, and also our ability to learn.  "The Cognitive Behavioral Theory says that individuals tend to form self-concepts that affect the behavior they display. These concepts can be positive or negative and can be affected by a person’s environment (Sincero)."

Everything around us can influence how we learn.  We can learn things in many different ways, and learning is different for everyone.  When preparing to become a teacher it is important to make sure that I teach each lesson with multiple ways to learn it, because everyone learns differently.  I will need to provide a variety of visual aids as well as interactive lessons.