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Cognitivism in Practice

I read this week about cognitivism. Cognitivism is a theory of how people perceive, remember, and apply information. In the video, Dr. Orey said that the human brain can only process 7 (plus or minus 2) pieces of information at a time, so we must decide which information is important. In light of this information limit, we need to teach students to decipher what is important. Note-taking skills are an important part of student learning and information retention.

One of the examples to assist students in making the connection between the information presented and retained is note-taking. Several strategies were shared including giving "teacher-created notes." These notes can be digitally shared and then edited and summarized by the students as they transfer the information into their own words. Having the students think through the information presented to transfer it into their words creates another way for them to forge a connection in their minds-elaborating on the information (Pitler, 2007).

A second example of helping students make connections thereby retaining information, is to make a concept map. The concept map allows visual learners to "see" the information to be learned, and what is unknown. Using software programs, this is easily done by an individual student or the whole class. Dr. Orey, in the video stresses the point that students need visual and textual connections if they are to move information easily from short-term to long term memory (Laureate, 2008).

Laureate Education Inc. (2008). “Cognitive Learning Theory.” Baltimore, MD: Laureate Education Inc.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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