Cognitive Learning Theory
Cognitive
Learning Theory explains how we process information when we learn. It
explains that a learner is an active participant in the process. When learning
something new, individuals process and construct their own understanding of a
topic through skills, knowledge, principles, memories, and relevant information
they have learned in the past (Armstrong and Taylor, 2014).
Leaf
(2014) explains that, to support this, the trainer or facilitator should create
a safe environment for learning. Therefore, when constructing training
programs, the trainer should bear in mind that
· Information which is
critical needs to be highlighted for the learner to focus his attention.
· The
difficulty level of the material matches the cognitive level of the learner,
for the learner to both attend to and relate to the material.
· Methods to be used to allow
learners to retrieve existing information from long-term memory helping him to
make sense of the new information.
· Information should be chunked to prevent overloading during processing.
· Sequence the course content carefully.
· Allow learners the opportunity to play an active part in their own learning.
·
And emphasize how
material is meaningful and how it relates back to their success.
Therefore, in modern organizations where critical problem solving is involved cognitive learning theory plays a significant role by breaking down complex concepts into manageable chunks, employees actively involved in the process and ideas from problems linked to prior knowledge (Stavredes, 2011).
Yilmaz (2011) explains, how cognitive
learning can influence the effectiveness of training can be enhanced by
designing programs that address the physiological processes involved in
learning, retention retrieval and application.
Further Rupasinghe et al.
(2010) discusses the importance of Bloom’s Taxonomy in designing Aircraft
maintenance technology education program.
The airline I am employed at, the
training school (SLAC) provides comprehensive training to students prior to
being recruited as aircraft technicians or mechanics. Further it is a
compulsory requirement that they complete the Basic Course in Aircraft
Maintenance (SriLankan Aviation College, 2018). Their course programs cover
theoretical elements as well as practical ones. Thus, the training gained at
the institute is very important to one when performing as aircraft technicians
later as aircraft maintenance engineers. The concepts, principles, and
knowledge they learnt, and experienced will be used in their critical
maintenance tasks and problem solving (Author’s work 2021).
Experiential learning theory is a process where knowledge is created through transformation of experience (Kolb, 1984) in (Kolb and Kolb, 2005). Further, it refers as a holistic theory that defines learning as the major process of human adaptation involving the whole person and it is said to be applicable in not only formal education but also all arenas of life (Kolb and Kolb, 2005).
As Kolb and Kolb (2011) further
explains, management of change and uncertainty requires high and differentiated
specialized knowledge brought to solve organizational problem. Viewpoints needs
to be integrated into effective solutions and integrative learning requires re-
examination role of trainers. Therefore, they need to manage the process of
learning to assist learners from their own life experiences.
Kolb (2014) goes on to explain that experiential learning can be applied in the field of higher education as well as organizations in training and organizational development. He introduced a cycle as Experiential Learning Cycle which is extensively practiced as the Kolb Learning cycle/style fig (4) discussed in the next post.
Figure 4: Experiential Learning Cycle.
Source: (Kolb and Kolb, 2009)
Leasure and Stanley (2000) in his
study points out that, practical experience is very important for students in
aviation maintenance industry. In addition, he describes that providing such
training will enable students a more realistic and valuable work experience. He
suggests that internships (placement within a maintenance and overhaul
facility), Field visitations/research and graduate student partnerships as
methods to facilitate experiential training.
In the organization which I work, when training students to become aircraft technicians or mechanics, practical training is provided to students and interns within the course period in the form of field visits and on the job training in different workshops and live aircrafts (SriLankan Aviation College, 2018).
Social Learning theory
This
theory unravels that people learn from interaction with others in a social
context. Tadayon Nabavi (2012) states that, by observing the behavior
of others people develop similar behaviors and
after observing the behavior of others, people assimilate and imitate that behavior,
especially if the observed experiences are positive ones or include rewards
related to the observed behavior. She
further states that, (fig 5) according to Bandura, imitation involves the
actual reproduction of observed motor activities and in conclusion that Social
Learning theory is the bridge between reinforcement theory and cognitive
learning theory as the theory contains attention, memory and motivation.
Figure 5: Internal Principle of Social Learning Theory.
Source : (Tadayon Nabavi, 2012)
In the airline which I work for, gives social learning a great deal of significance. When the Aviation College conducts on the job training for trainees the management makes sure that they work under experienced, competent, and skilled seniors and observe what they have to perform and gain knowledge at the same time. Thereby, the trainees will naturally tend to perform a given task efficiently and receive positive feedback. (Author’s work 2021).
List
of references
Armstrong, M and Taylor, S. (2014) Armstrong Handbook of Human Resource Practice. 13th ed. New Delhi, Kongan Page Limited.
Kolb, A. Y. and Kolb, D.A. (2005) Learning styles and learning spaces: enhancing experiential learning in higher education. Academy of Management Learning & Education, 4(2), pp193-212 [Online]. Available at < www.researchgate.net.>. [Accessed on 13th August 2021].
Kolb, A. Y. and Kolb, D. A. (2011) Experiential learning theory: a dynamic, holistic approach to management learning, education and development. The SAGE Handbook of Management Learning, Education and Development, (May 2015), pp. 42–68. doi: 10.4135/9780857021038.n3.
Kolb, D.A. (2014) Experiential Learning:Experience as the Source of Learning and Development.2nd ed. United States of America, FT Press.
Leasure, M. and Stanley, D. (2000) Aviation students in industry: strategies that enhance learning. Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research, 9(2), pp.13-16 [Online]. Available at < https://www.library.northwestern.edu/find-borrow-request/requests-interlibrary-loan/lending-institutions.html.>. [Accessed on 13th August 2021].
Lefa, B. (2014) ‘The Piaget theory of cognitive development: An educational implication. Education Psychology, 1(9), pp. 1–9 [Online]. Available at <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/252532772_Constructing_a_theory_of_learner_autonomy_Some_steps_along_the_way>. [Accessed on 15th August 2021].
Rupasinghe, T. D., Kurz, M., Gramopadhye, K.A and Washburn, C. (2010) Improving aircraft maintenance technology education: Bloom’s taxonomy perspective. in IIE Annual Conference and Expo 2010 Proceedings. doi: 10.13140/2.1.3929.8240.
Srilankan Aviation College (2018) Basic Course in Aircraft Maintenance. Srilanka Aviation College [Online]. Available at <https://www.srilankanaviationcollege.com/what-we-offer/Course/EASA-Part-66-B1 [Accessed on 16 August 2021].
Stavredes, T (2011) Effective Online Teaching: Foundation and Strategies for student Success. 1st ed. Jossey-Bass, San Francisco.
Tadayon Nabavi, R. (2012) Bandura’s social learning theory & social cognitive learning Theory. Theories of Developmental Psychology, pp.2-23 [Online]. Available at<https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267750204_Bandura’s_Social_Learning_Theory_Social_Cognitive_Learning_Theory.>. [Accessed on 13th August 2021].
Yilmaz, K. (2011) The
cognitive perspective on learning: its theoretical underpinnings and
implications for classroom practices, The Clearing House, 84, pp.
204–212 [online]. Available at < www.jstor.org.>. [Accessed on 13th August
2021].
Agreed. Well explaining. Further, airways could be concluded that these practices influenced employee performance. Reward management, performance management, training and development, and employee relations positively affected employee performance and achieved and met their set targets, mission, and vision and sustained themselves in the competitive global market (Gathogo and Kiiru, 2021).
ReplyDeleteThe cognitive theory suites well for problem solving. When it comes to where the concepts are complex and must be broken down into smaller parts the theories’ use is ideal. Further, ideas and concepts from these problems are linked to prior knowledge, which in turn helps the learner develop a stronger understanding (Yilmaz,2011). Aviation field being a dynamic one come with anew problem every day. Especially the aircraft maintenance industry deals with critical problems that has to be broken down into parts to find solutions. In this case, cognitive theory plays a significant role.
DeleteThe basic premise of Cognitive Learning Theory is that learners are passive and merely react to stimuli in their environment. Cognitive Theory aims to explain how the mind operates during the learning process rather than concentrating exclusively on observable behavior. The mind, like a computer, takes in data, processes it, and then applies it to produce learning outcomes. (Olivia 2019)
ReplyDeleteAgreed. The cognitive theory, the behavior reflects the emergence of various psychological structures, organized units or patterns of thinking that influence on how people interpret information. The cognitive developmental theories explain the change in reasoning level of a person acquiring new ways of understanding. However, the trainer needs to be mindful that each individual does not develop at a similar sequence and that they do so at different rates (Lefa, 2014).
DeleteAgreed with you Nimna. The Piaget`s theory mainly focus on developing and learning theories. Learning occurs when one comes to a realization of his capabilities and education within the theory is external (Lefa, 2014).
ReplyDeleteAgreed. In today’s dynamic business environment, job knowledge and skills to handle the continuously changing job contents need continuous upgradation and training has to be imparted continuously. It also becomes imperative to handle diverse situations and to deal with varied clients, customers, vendors, suppliers, colleagues, business partners. Training deals with developing attitudes that help the individuals to deal with different situations and peoples (Govi & Usha, 2014)
ReplyDeleteAs suggested by Johnson (2014) Continuous learning, unlike traditional training, views learning as a process rather than a series of programs. It is advised that L&D departments follow three things to adopt a continuous learning model
Delete1 Take responsibility for all aspects of corporate learning, not just formal training.
2. Shift vocabulary and mindset to be in line with continuous learning.
3. Coordinate with stakeholders outside the L&D organization, such as line management, HR, talent management, and learners, to include them in the learning process.
Fundamentally, Constructivism is a cognitive learning theory because of its focus on the mental processes that construct meaning. Other learning theories equated with cognitive psychology are: Information-Processing theory, Scaffolding theory (associated with the Russian philosopher Lev Vygotsky) and Brain-based learning theory (associated with neuroscientists such as Marian Diamond and Robert Sylwester and educator Susan Kovalik).
ReplyDeleteIndividuals will attempt to make sense of all information that they perceive, according to constructivism theory, and will therefore "construct" their own meaning from that information. (Beattie & Dabbagh, 2003)
DeleteSocial Learning theory is based on what people learn from their interactions with others in a social context and also observing the behaviors of others, people develop similar behaviors. After observing the behavior of others, people assimilate and
ReplyDeleteimitate that behavior, This theory bridges behaviorist learning theories and cognitive learning theories (Tadayon Nabavi, 2012).