Cognitivism as a Learning Theory

"The issue many forget is that "learning" is not one thing…it is a multi-layered word that tends to get treated as if it was just one thing…and it's not. It is multi-facetted and that is why developing new models for "learning" is so difficult…there are too many levels for one school of thought or one model to do it all. (Kerr, 2007)

I think ultimately, this conclusion that Kerr has drawn is appropriate. There cannot simply be one school of thought that trumps them all. However, if given the need to point out the most important learning theory, then I do feel that Cognitivism is the underlying root of all the -isms. I believe this to be true because of the use of the brain. The brain tells us to think and how to think. The brain tells us to do and how to do. Even in acting out a learning process, there must be thought about how to do it, when to do it, how fast to do it, etc. One does not simply dive in and do something with the expectations of a successful outcome. There must be a thought process in the "doing" whether it is consciously or subconsciously. One of Kapp's responses was as follows, "I really believe that is the essence of good educational design. Creating learning utilizing an entire tool kit of philosophies, techniques and ideas." (Kapp, 2007)

 
 

Additional sites of interest are as follows:

Cognitivism and Constructivism http://www.coe.fau.edu/faculty/cafolla/courses/eme6051/Cognitivism.htm, and

Schema theory of learning
http://www.sil.org/lingualinks/literacy/ImplementALiteracyProgram/SchemaTheoryofLearning.htm

 
 

Davenport, L. (2001, April 26). (Old discussion but very interesting!) Cognitivism vs. Behaviorism: LUSENET: History & Theory of Psychology: One Thread. Retrieved March 28, 2010, from What are the similarities, if any, between cognitivism and behaviorism?: http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=0056KI

Stevenson, C. (2010, January). Learning Theory: Cognitivism (Blog). Retrieved March 29, 2010, from Laying an Instructional Foundation: http://onstoptrainer.blogspot.com/2010/01/learning-theory-cognitivism.html

Module 1 Blog Topics: #3 Metaphors of Instructors:

The best described role of a digital educator should be that of the "curator", in regards to the secondary and adult levels. For the elementary level, the role of the educator needs to be a combination of "concierge" and "network administrator". (This level needs more structure and guidance.)

The "curator" role enables the instructor to guide learning based on the assumption that the student has the capacity to be self-motivated to learn. "A curator is an expert learner. Instead of dispensing knowledge, he creates spaces in which knowledge can be created, explored, and connected." (Siemens, 2008, p. 17) Being a digital classroom student, I appreciate having an instructor who allows me to bring my previous knowledge to the course and draw from my current experiences. "A curator balances the freedom of individual learners with the thoughtful interpretation of the subject being explored." (Siemens, 2008, p. 17)

In the elementary level, the students are learning to become self motivated to learn. For this level, I believe that the role of the instructor needs to help the student to gain the maturity necessary to benefit from the "curator" instructor. The "concierge" instructor is known for, "incorporating traditional lectures, and in other instances, permitting learners to explore on their own." (Siemens, 2008, p. 16) The added aspects of the "network administrator", adds to this preparation, "through evaluating,
with the learner, the nature and quality of the learning network [external] and how key concepts are
related and understood [conceptual]). "

In conclusion, I agree with the roles that Siemens has described. However, I also think that the roles need to be more level specific to ensure that the needs of all learners are understood and met.

Siemens, G. (2008, January 27). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. Paper presented to ITFORUM. Retrieved from http://it.coe.uga.edu/itforum/Paper105/Siemens.pdf

The following links are additional resources for digital learning:
Digital Learning Environments: http://www.guide2digitallearning.com/teaching_learning/back_office_classroom,A story about digital learning success in a High Risk school system:http://www.infotoday.com/MMSchools/SuccessStories/PearsonCherokee.htm,