Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Cognitivism as a Learning Theory

What should we do about-isms?  According to Bill Kerr (2007), -isms are offering something useful without any of them being complete or stand alone in their own right.  As I continue to study the learning theory, I realize that behaviorism, constructivism, and cognitivism are all a part of the learning process.   In order for educators to ensure their students are successful in their academic setting, they must teach them how to develop their cognitive skills such memorizing and recalling information to formulate responses necessary to begin the thinking process.  Once those cognitive skills have been developed, students can then begin to analyze information which enables them to solve problems and formulate answers to real world situations.  Students will then be able to develop and apply their collaborative skills in social arenas which will aid them in mastering and conquering their and creative skills.  This process will eventually guide students to become independent, self-confidence learners within the world.  Of course, educators must keep in mind that all students learn differently and at different rates, so offering creative and flexible learning activities within their classroom curriculums will aid them in meeting all the needs of their students.

According to Karl Kapp (2007), learners are complex information-processing systems who must first understand how the human brain processes information.  As educators, we must take and use elements of all the –isms to create engaging, life-learning experiences within our classrooms for our students.  If students are not able to comprehend information in a timely manner, we must redesign our lessons to accommodate their learning styles to aid them in being successful and productive individuals.

References
Kerr, B. (2007, January 1). _isms as filter, not blinker [Web log post]. Retrieved on September 26, 2012; from http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html.

 Kapp, K. (2007, January 2). Out and about: Discussion on educational schools of thought [Web log post]. Retrieved on September 26, 2012; from http://www.kaplaneduneering.com/kappnotes/index.php/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational/.


I responded to David Phenix’s blog @ http://davidphenix.blogspot.com and Renee Johnson’s blog @ www.uga9904.blogspot.com.  
 
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2 comments:

  1. David PhenixSeptember 29, 2012 at 9:33 PM

    You make some great points. I especially agree with your statement that learning combines all the "isms". I tend to take the view that there is not a "one size fits all" ism that can define learning. Often there are different approaches by different learning theorists that one specific learning approach is the correct way. With all due respect to Piaget, B.F. Skinner, Dewey and the rest of the theorist, I feel that learning occurs as a result of a combination of many "isms".

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  2. renjohnsonSeptember 30, 2012 at 5:04 AM

    I agree that students must develop cognitive skills such as memorizing and recalling information to proceed onto higher levels of thinking such as analyzation. The use of social media to share ideas and further develop information is a prime example of situated cognition. I am glad that you also pointed out that learning is not the same for everyone and we must differentiate our classrooms to appeal to the different learning styles. I also agree that we must create those engaging activities to promote learning.

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