Background

As can be imagined, people, especially within the field of psychology, have defined learning in a variety of ways throughout the years.  One of the original theories of learning was Behaviorism—stimulus-response approach (more information on Behaviorism can be found here).  After this theory was expanded upon, a “cognitive revolution” began “to bring the ‘mind’ back into the human sciences” (56).  Cognitive Learning Theory focuses on how learner’s process and apply information mentally.  There are a few different cognitive orientations, but we will take a look at:  Gestalt Theory, Information Processing Theory, and Schema Theory.

 

“The primary purpose of instructional design (ID) is to facilitate learning and improve performance” (Richey 51).   

In order to help improve learning, it is essential to understand how learning works.  Cognitive Learning Theory is one theory that can contribute to Instructional Designers' understanding of how people learn.

Next Up:  Gestalt Theory

 

Resources:

• http://www.simplypsychology.org/cognitive.html