Cognitive Learning

The cognitive learning theory focuses on helping students understand, retain, and recall new information. Atkinson and Schifrin’s approach recognizes that learning begins in the short term memory of the brain and then progresses to long term memory storage. Successful learning will only occur when the initial stage of learning is carefully managed with consideration to the limitation of the 7+/-2 pieces of data that a learner can attend to at one time. Once the student understands the topic, additional information can be added to help students retain the data in their long term memories through the use of facts, episodic events, and rote learning (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008).

One instructional strategy that supports cognitive learning is the structured use of cues and questions. Educators can use questions and cues to focus on the most important facts about the learning topic to leverage the fact that the students’ short term memory can only handle a limited amount of information (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008). Word processing software enables educators to provide introductory rubrics containing both expository organizers like brochures and narratives such as stories and articles. Provision of the multiple organizers further prepares students for acquiring new information. Use of visuals like clip art can also provide students with images to remember in addition to the text props. To further enhance students’ learning, educators can create a table of data in excel that shows the text next to the correlating picture; a combination that connects the ideas and helps students store the information in their long term memories.

Note taking provides a way for students to revisit newly acquired information and address areas they need more clarification about. The traditional method of students independently hand writing notes only provides accurate and complete study aids when students take good notes. Not all students are willing to or able to take good notes on their own but fortunately technology offers creative ways for educators to help. For example, allowing students to share notes on a wiki will provide students with opportunities to collaborate and share information in their own words. Palincsar and Brown define this process of students teaching each other as reciprocal teaching which results in a broader understanding of the topic by all (as cited by Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K., 2007).