COGNITIVE LEARNING

Cognitive learning is defined as the acquisition of knowledge and skill by mental or cognitive processes — the procedures we have for manipulating information 'in our heads'. It focuses on the mental activity or a head level of learning. Cognitive processes include creating mental representations of physical objects and events, and other forms of information processing.

Cognitive learning is a powerful mechanism that provides the means of knowledge, and goes well beyond simple imitation of others.  It is the result of listening, watching, touching or experiencing. In Cognitive learning the learner is quite active, in a cognitive way, in processing and remembering newly incoming information.  It enables us to create and transmit a complex culture that includes symbols, values, beliefs and norms.

Cognitive Learning Theory

Two specific theories:

A. Social Cognitive Theory

In the Social Cognitive Theory, we are considering 3 variables:

• behavioral factors
• environmental factors (extrinsic)
• personal factors (intrinsic)

An individual’s personal experience can converge with the behavioral determinants and the environmental factors.

Social Cognitive Theory Illustration (Pajares, 2002)

In the person-environment interaction, human beliefs, ideas and cognitive competencies are modified by external factors such as a supportive parent, stressful environment or a hot climate. In the person-behavior interaction, the cognitive processes of a person affect his behavior; likewise, performance of such behavior can modify the way he thinks. Lastly, the environment-behavior interaction, external factors can alter the way you display the behavior. Also, your behavior can affect and modify your environment. This model clearly implies that for effective and positive learning to occur an individual should have positive personal characteristics, exhibit appropriate behavior and stay in a supportive environment.

In addition, Social Cognitive Theory states that new experiences are to be evaluated by the learner by means of analyzing his past experiences with the same determinants. Learning, therefore, is a result of a thorough evaluation of the present experience versus the past.

Basic Concepts

1.      Observational Learning
learning from other people by means of observing them.

2.      Reproduction
the process wherein there is an aim to effectively increase the repeating of a behavior by means of putting the individual in a comfortable environment with readily accessible materials to motivate him to retain the new knowledge and behavior learned and practice them.

3.      Self-efficacy
the course wherein the learner improves his newly learned knowledge or behavior by putting it into practice.

4.      Emotional coping
good coping mechanisms against stressful environment and negative personal characteristics can lead to effective learning, especially in adults.

5.      Self-regulatory capability
ability to control behavior even within an unfavorable environment.

B. Cognitive Behavioral Theory

Cognitive Behavioral Theory describes the role of cognition (knowing) to determining and predicting the behavioral pattern of an individual.

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.

The Cognitive Triad

Cognitive Behavioral Theory further explains human behavior and learning using the cognitive triad. This triad includes negative thoughts about:

1. The self (i.e., I am rubbish)
2. The world/environment (i.e., the world is irrational)
3. The future (i.e., my future is doomed)