Introduction to Cognitivism

MA Presented by
Manahil Amjad
Introduction to Cognitivism
• Definition: Cognitivism is a theory of learning that focuses on
how people process, store, and retrieve information. It
emphasizes mental processes such as attention, memory, and
problem-solving.

• Key Idea: Learners actively construct knowledge by processing

information, forming mental representations, and linking new
information to existing knowledge.
Key Principles of Cognitivism
1 Active Learning
Learners actively organize and process information.
Key Principles of Cognitivism
1 Active Learning
Learners actively organize and process information.

2 Mental Representation
Knowledge is stored as mental models or schemas.
Key Principles of Cognitivism
1 Active Learning
Learners actively organize and process information.

2 Mental Representation
Knowledge is stored as mental models or schemas.

3 Information Processing
The mind processes information like a computer (input, processing, output).
Key Principles of Cognitivism
1 Active Learning
Learners actively organize and process information.

2 Mental Representation
Knowledge is stored as mental models or schemas.

3 Information Processing
The mind processes information like a computer (input, processing, output).

4 Constructivism
Knowledge is built on prior experiences and understanding.
Key Principles of Cognitivism
1 Active Learning
Learners actively organize and process information.

2 Mental Representation
Knowledge is stored as mental models or schemas.

3 Information Processing
The mind processes information like a computer (input, processing, output).

4 Constructivism
Knowledge is built on prior experiences and understanding.

Major Theorists:

Jean Piaget
Stages of cognitive
development.
Key Principles of Cognitivism
1 Active Learning
Learners actively organize and process information.

2 Mental Representation
Knowledge is stored as mental models or schemas.

3 Information Processing
The mind processes information like a computer (input, processing, output).

4 Constructivism
Knowledge is built on prior experiences and understanding.

Major Theorists:

Jean Piaget Lev Vygotsky

Stages of cognitive Sociocultural theory, Zone
development. of Proximal Development.
Key Principles of Cognitivism
1 Active Learning
Learners actively organize and process information.

2 Mental Representation
Knowledge is stored as mental models or schemas.

3 Information Processing
The mind processes information like a computer (input, processing, output).

4 Constructivism
Knowledge is built on prior experiences and understanding.

Major Theorists:

Jean Piaget Lev Vygotsky Jerome Bruner

Stages of cognitive Sociocultural theory, Zone Discovery learning,

development. of Proximal Development. scaffolding.
Cognitivism vs. Behaviorism
Cognitivism Behaviorism

Focuses on mental processes (e.g., memory, problem- Focuses on observable behavior, stimulus-response
solving), active learning, and information processing. links, and conditioning (classical and operant).

Key Differences:

Cognitivism Behaviorism
Learners are active participants. Learners respond to external stimuli.
 Cognitivism vs. Behaviorism
Aspect Cognitivism Behaviorism

Focus Internal mental processes Observable behavior and stimuli

Role of Learner Active participant, constructing knowledge Passive recipient of external stimuli

Learning Mechanism Information processing, memory Conditioning (classical/operant)

Learning Outcome Changes in mental structures Changes in behavior

Teaching Method Active learning, problem-solving Repetition, reinforcement

Key Concepts in Cognitivism

SB Presented by
Shaina Batool
 Key Concepts in Cognitivism

Information Processing Theory:

• Sensory Memory: Initial perception of stimuli.

• Short-term Memory: Temporary storage, limited capacity.
• Long-term Memory: Permanent storage for learned information.

Schema Theory:
• Mental frameworks help organize and interpret new information.
• Example: A child learns that a dog has four legs,
• but their schema adapts when they see different breeds.
 Key Concepts in Cognitivism

Cognitive Load Theory: Metacognition:

• Learning is affected by the brain's processing limits. • "Thinking about thinking"—improving learning through self-aw
• Three types: • Strategies: Planning, monitoring, and evaluating learning.
• Intrinsic Load: Task complexity.
• Extraneous Load: Unnecessary distractions.
• Germane Load: Effort used to create meaningful learning.
Applications in Education
Scaffolding
Temporary support (hints, guides,
examples) to help students learn,
gradually removed as they gain
independence.

Example: A teacher guiding students

through problem-solving before
letting them try on their own.
Applications in Education
Scaffolding Active Learning
Temporary support (hints, guides, Students engage in the learning
examples) to help students learn, process rather than passively
gradually removed as they gain receiving information.
independence.
Methods:
Example: A teacher guiding students • Discussions: Encourages critical
through problem-solving before
thinking and collaboration.
letting them try on their own.
• Problem-solving tasks: Real-
world applications enhance
understanding.
Applications in Education
Scaffolding Active Learning
Temporary support (hints, guides, Students engage in the learning
examples) to help students learn, process rather than passively
gradually removed as they gain receiving information.
independence.
Methods:
Example: A teacher guiding students • Discussions: Encourages critical
through problem-solving before
thinking and collaboration.
letting them try on their own.
• Problem-solving tasks: Real-
world applications enhance
understanding.

Effective Learning Strategies

Chunking: Breaking large amounts of information into smaller, manageable
parts (e.g., phone numbers are memorized in segments).

Retrieval Practice: Strengthening memory through self-testing rather than

rereading material.

Dual Coding: Using visuals and words together improves understanding.

Summary of Cognitivism

Information Processing Schema Development

1
Mind as computer model 2 Mental frameworks

Metacognition 4 Cognitive Load

Self-aware learning
3 Processing limitations

Cognitivism provides a framework for understanding how humans process, store, and retrieve information. By
applying these principles to education and artificial intelligence, we can develop more effective learning strategies
and technological solutions that mirror human cognitive processes.
Criticism of Cognitivism
An overview of criticisms of Cognitivism.

NK Presented by
Neha Khursheed
Criticisms of Cognitivism

Mental Overemphasis

Ignores external environment &

behavior.
Criticisms of Cognitivism

Limited Social Focus

Lacks emphasis on emotion and

motivation.

Mental Overemphasis

Ignores external environment &

behavior.
Criticisms of Cognitivism

Limited Social Focus

Lacks emphasis on emotion and

motivation.

Mental Overemphasis Individual Differences

Ignores external environment & Overlooks diverse learning styles.

behavior.
Further Limitations
1 Ecological Validity 2 Reductionist Approach
Artificial settings, less Oversimplifies, ignores
real-life relevance. bio/social/emotional
aspects.

3 Machine Analogy
Mind as computer ignores emotion's role.
 Conclusion

Summary Impact
Cognitivism focuses on memory, problem-
solving, and how people process information
- however, It does not fully consider social Used in education, artificial intelligence, and teaching strategies.
interactions, emotions, or environmental
factors.
 Basic Quiz on Cognitivism
1. What does cognitivism focus on?
a) External behavior
b) Mental processes like memory and problem-solving
c) Rewards and punishments 2. Who is the psychologist known for the four stages of cognitive development?
d) Physical actions a) B.F. Skinner
b) Jean Piaget
c) Sigmund Freud
d) John Watson

3. Which of the following is an example of active learning?

a) Reading a textbook without thinking about it
b) Watching a video passively 5. Which of these is an example of scaffolding in education?
c) Discussing a topic with classmates and solving problems a) A teacher gives step-by-step guidance and then lets students try on
d) Listening to a lecture without taking notes their own
b) A student memorizes facts without understanding them
c) A teacher gives a test without any prior teaching
d) A student studies alone without any help

4. What is short-term memory also called?

a) Sensory memory
b) Working memory
c) Long-term memory
d) Automatic memory