E-learning solopreneur 
in Avignon, FR 
since 2020
Definition
Cognitivism builds upon constructivism in that it acknowledges the presence of prior knowledge, and the need to build upon it. As with social constructivism, social cognitivism also highlights the importance of the social factor in learning (McLeod, 2016).1
Where cognitivism departs from earlier theories is by rejecting the idea that the mind is just a black box that cannot be studied or understood (Bandura, 1986) [fix missing source]. It also disapproves of the use of external stimuli to motivate learners and argues that learning materials must be made more appealing to attract learner’s attention [fix broken source]. According to the cognitive learning theory, learning requires cognition which involves a number of complex processes such as attention and perception. Learning occurs when information is encoded and enters our long-term memory (Mindtools) [fix broken source].
However learning can be disrupted if a learner’s cognitive load exceeds his or her capacity. This can be remedied by decreasing the cognitive load using Mayer’s principles (Richard E. Mayer, 2014) [fix broken source].
Cognitivism learning scenario
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Examples of cognitive learning theory at play are easy to find. In the video “Causes and Effects of Climate Change” by National Geographic, several elements of cognitivism are featured.
The video notably conforms to Mayer’s cognitive load principles in multimedia learning in several ways:[4]
- For one, the video provides background information about the main concept (Climate Change) which agrees with the signaling principle which suggests that people are better able to understand information when cues pertaining to the structure of materials are introduced[4].
- Also, the video agrees with the Coherence principle in that any extraneous or irrelevant information is absent from the video[4].
- Another point is that graphics are introduced in sync with narration throughout the video, which makes information easy to learn (Modality principle)
- Next, the narration is performed by a voice actor with a friendly voice, which is known to help people increase learning (Voice principle)[4].
- And finally, the video lacks any visual representation of the narrator, which if present, would have unnecessarily increased cognitive load (Image principle)[4].
The only point where the video strays away from the Mayer’s principles is at mark 00:41s when the animations and graphics fail to show the increase in Co2 emmissions in time, instead showing pictures illustrating the industrial revolution. At this point learners have to process visual and auditory information that contradict each other causing an increase in cognitive overload by breaking the temporal contiguity principle[4]. To address this, the part showing pictures of the industrial revolution could be cut in favor of the graph showing the increase in CO2 that appears a few seconds later[4].
Extra page source (add as reference)
Cognitive Load Theory – Helping People Learn Effectively (mindtools.com)
- Mcleod, S. (2016, February 5). Bandura—Social Learning Theory. Simply Psychology. Retrieved 19 February 2023, from https://www.simplypsychology.org/bandura.html[↩]