Why Do We Need LearnIng TheorIes1

Apuntes

Why Do We Need LearnIng TheorIes? Have you ever wondered how we actually learn? Not just what we learn—but what’s happening inside our minds as we do it? INTRODUCING COGNITIVISM What Is CognItIvIsm? Cognitivism is a theory of learning that sees the learner as an active processor of information. It’s based on the idea that learning happens when we connect new knowledge to existing mental structures—called schemas. 📌 Key figures: Jean Piaget, Jerome Bruner, David Ausubel 📌 Focus: How learners think, not just how they behave. Core PrIncIples of CognItIvIsm Let’s highlight four main principles: 1. Learning is an internal process—not all learning is visible. 2. Prior knowledge matters—new info sticks when it connects to existing knowledge. 3. Meaningful learning is better than rote memorization. 4. Mental models (schemas) help organize and retrieve information. CognItIvIsm In the Classroom So, how does this theory guide our teaching? It suggests that we should: Activate prior knowledge (e.g., using a KWL chart). Use scaffolding to build from simple to complex ideas. Present organized and meaningful content Encourage discovery and insight through guided learning. Examples ...