Reflections on Cognitivism

In reflection on the discussion and lesson plan on cognitivism I realized there is so much more we can do with technology than I ever realized. With technology, there is a wide array of tools available that clearly reflect the principles of cognitivism. Nowadays, software is so evolved that a user can adapt it to his or her liking in almost every way to improve his or her experience! When a student is given a proper cue, or prepares a summary in the proper way, connections are being made right away. Brainstorming and concept mapping software produce great visual representations of the cognitive theory of learning as well. We are making visual connections using this software that represent the exact connections that we are also creating in our mind and that replicate the network model of memory.Virtual field trips are another great example of cognitivism in practice. Students are able to make important visual connections to a particular event or place that they will be able to recall quickly because of the engaging and fascinating experience they just had. There is no doubt in my mind that students today respond much better to the use of tools that stimulate more than one of their senses, which leads to better connections and deeper learning.

Through our group discussions and creating PowerPoint slides I feel like cognitivism is a great way for a student to learn. There are so many different ways to have a child use what they already know about a subject and elaborate on that to allow them to store it in long term memory. The key is making sure you teach it well enough and provide enough stimulation so that this happens. For this reason I think it's important to incorporate different learning strategies into the lesson plans to make sure you are reaching every kind of learner. Although I feel like taking the cognitivist approach to learning is a good method, I would not personally rely on this teaching method alone.