Cognitivism was shaped by many learning theorists. Cognitivism is the processing theory that deals with how people perceive, learn, remember, and think about information. Cognitive development results from the interactions that kids have with their physical and social environments. As kids begin to explore their world, they eventually begin to discover they have their own perspective on the world that is uniquely theirs. Humans are motivated to try to make sense of what’s taking place in the world around them. However, there are times, when the world around us does not make sense. According to Driscoll (2005), with cognitive learning, students are making inferences and connecting their learning for better understanding. All students will have some prior knowledge, even if it’s just random or unconscious learning. Prior knowledge is not something that is made up but something that students gain over time. This prior knowledge comes from experiences or interactions that students encounter as they grow and develop. Students have very different learning styles when it comes to learning. Some kids may be visual learners while others are auditory learners. Some kids may be kinesthetic learners while others can sit in a desk and take notes. Through cognitive learning, students are making meaning of the concepts and skills they are learning.
Bill Kerr (2007) talks about _isms as a filter and not a blinker. He describes learning theories as being like politics in the manner that they are full of _isms: constructivism, behaviorism, cognitivism, and now connectivisim. In his beliefs, _isms do not stand still, they evolve, and they listen to criticism, and move on. In today’s society, it would be difficult for some to comprehend the _isms that Kerr talks about. Each year, there is some new development that appears for each _ism. Researching the different _isms could prove to locate more and more information. There will never be a time when there is nothing new that we will learn about different learning theories. Therefore, learning theories evolve over time. This is not a one-time event that takes place and is all of a sudden forgotten about. After reading the two blogs, I began to think about my students and the different types of behaviors and interactions through observation in the classroom.
Karl Knapp (2007) made a valid point when he stated that, “learning is not thing…it is a multi-layered word that tends to get treated as if it were just one thing…and it’s not.” In my opinion, learning is an umbrella term. It is a terms that has several more topics that will fall under it. Learning is not just one thing but a lot of people don’t look at it like that. For example, if a child is doing great and receiving all A’s in elementary school, parents automatically expect the same to take place when that students moves up to the middle school. However, they don’t look at the fact that students will now be introduced to a totally different curriculum as well as adapt to a new environment. This student is in a new environment and will now experience different _isms than what was experienced in elementary school.
Kerr, B. (2007). _isms as filter, not blinker. Retrieved from: http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html
Knapp, K. (2007). Out and about: discussion on educational schools of thought. Retrieved from: http://karlkapp.blogspot.com/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational.html
Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.
While reading your post, there were several things that stuck out in my mind. You stated that "Cognitive development results from the interactions that kids have with their physical and social environments." This is so very true! When I think about my classroom, I am reminded of the various learning styles in my classroom. For some of my students, they can grasp things off of reading, my lectures, or my assignments. However, some just can't grasp what I am saying until I relate it to their surroundings or their personal lives.
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"Learning theories evolve over time." You are right on the money. :) Technology is ever-changing. People are ever-changing. Therefore, learning and the various ways of learning is going to forever change.
In addition, I love the comment when you referred to learning as an umbrella term. Once again, I agree wholeheartedly with you. When you think of an umbrella, you think of many different components, many different layers, or many different sections. This is exactly true with the various theories. Each theory is so complex and really could extend out or can be broken down very far. Great post!
Very detailed post/reflection. I think that both authors did an excellent job on discussing the _isms and is relevance to the learning process and that one should not overshadow the other. You mentioned that Karl Knapp (2007) made a valid point when he stated that, “learning is not thing…it is a multi-layered word that tends to get treated as if it were just one thing…and it’s not. In my opinion, learning is an umbrella term. It is a terms that has several more topics that will fall under it". I agree with this statement, and in your opinion, do you think that the term learning has changed over time (like learning theories) because of several factors, such as technology, meeting curriculum standards, a substantial amount of testing and an increase number of inclusion? Enlighten me with your thoughts!
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