Our Previous Samples

Introduction

Cognitive learning is a change in knowledge attributable to experience (1). It differs from behavioral learning in that cognitive learning involves a change in the learner's knowledge whereas behavioral learning involves a change in the learner's behavior.

Cognitive learning theories help us to understand how children learn. Cognitive learning theories explain how factors, internal and external, influence individual mental processes that supplement learning. Several theorists have written theories that focus on this topic. As educators, it is important to understand the various attributes of the theories and how they may illuminate the ways in which students learn.

Preparation

For this assignment, you will research the following cognitive learning theorists and their theories.

• Jean Piaget and cognitive learning theory.
• Lev Vygotsky and sociocultural theory.
• Information processing theory (Note: This theory has no specific theorists attached to it).

In addition, you will research these types of cognitive learning:

• Classical conditioning.
• Operant conditioning.
• Observational conditioning.

Identify three sources to support your writing. Once you have completed the research, follow the instructions below to complete the assignment.

Instructions

Write a 3–5 page paper in which you: 

1. Discuss Piaget and Vygotsky's theories as well as information processing theory. 
   • Include the key points of the theories.
   • Explain how each impacts student learning.
2. Discuss the key points of the three types of cognitive learning. 
   • Identify the similarities between the three types of cognitive learning.
   • Identify the differences between the three types of cognitive learning.
3. Select one theory and one type of cognitive learning and explain how you could implement them as an educator.

Select two learning and study strategies that you would use to support learners.

• Discuss why you selected the two strategies and include a description of each strategy.
• Which of the factors that you listed do you think is the most important? Why?

The field of education incorporates a significant number of learning theories. These theories were developed by social scientists and psychologists who study the manner in which humans learn. Educators continue to subscribe to the tenets of one or more of these theories as they work with children.

It is just as important to understand the theorists as it is to understand their theories.

Instructions

In this activity, you will complete the Leading Educational Theorist Table [DOCX].

Complete the Leading Educational Theorist Table, in which you will: 

• Provide the name of the theory for each theorist.
• Provide a summary of each theory.
• Provide a summary of one way in which each theorist could impact education today.

Discuss how physical environments, social environments, and broader cultures enhance thinking, learning, and performance.

Contemporary theorists such as Vygotsky, Piaget, Dewey, and Maslow have expressed definitions of the following terms: schema, script, personal theory, and worldview.

• Explain in your own words what the terms schema, script, personal theory, and worldview mean and how they impact student learning based on the views of the contemporary theorists named above

Schema is the process by which learners connect new information to what they already know.

• Explain in your own words the concept of schema and how you can determine when learners make connections between new material and prior knowledge.

One of the most important skills that should be in every educator's toolkit is knowing the manner in which children learn. Additional skills every educator should possess include understanding student behavior and the various parts of the brain and their functions and how they work together to help us think, learn, grow, and feel.

For this assignment, you will conduct research on the parts of the brain that are responsible for learning and behavior. You will need 2–3 sources to complete the assignment below.

Instructions

Write a 2–3 page paper in which you: 

1. Discuss the function of the part of the brain that is responsible for learning. In your discussion make sure to include: 
   • The name for this part of the brain.
   • Where it is in the brain's composition.
   • Explain how this part of the brain is responsible for learning.
2. Discuss the function of the portion of the brain that controls behavior. In your discussion make sure to include: 
   • The name for this part of the brain.
   • Where it is located in the brain's composition.
   • Explain how this portion of the brain controls behavior.
3. Discuss how understanding parts of the brain responsible for learning and behavior might impact your approach as an educator. 
   • Explain how this knowledge might impact your lesson planning as a teacher.
   • Explain how this knowledge might help you establish meaningful relationships with students and parents.

Describe some common underlying assumptions in contemporary cognitive learning theories and how these assumptions impact student learning.

• Which of the following teaching and learning approaches resonates with you most? Include a summary of the approach and why you chose it.
  • Constructivist.
  • Collaborative.
  • Integrative.
  • Reflective.
  • Inquiry-Based Learning.

As we've learned this week, behavior can change after learning has occurred. Discuss specific ways in which behavior might change after a learning event.