Cognitivism—or Cognitive Learning Theory—shifted the study of learning away from behaviorism’s focus on external actions and toward an understanding of how the mind processes, stores, and retrieves information. This session provides a concise, objective introduction to the cognitive perspective on learning, explaining how factors like attention, memory, and mental models shape knowledge acquisition.
In just 30 minutes, we’ll explore key cognitive processes, such as working memory, schema formation, and cognitive load, and examine how these insights inform instructional design. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of what cognitivism is, how it differs from behaviorism, and why cognitive science continues to influence modern learning strategies. Whether you’re new to learning science or looking for a structured refresher, this session will give you a straightforward, research-backed overview of cognitive learning theory—no jargon, just the essentials.