Reflection
Cognitive learning is based on the theory in terms of which any kind of information may be reasoned and processed. It is not enough for people to learn something new. It is more important to understand how important knowledge is, and how it can be organized in long-term memory (Pressley & McCormick 1995). The reading chosen for this week helps to comprehend that knowledge may take different forms. The choice of methods depends on many things, and one of them is the theory that is defined as the basis of knowledge. In Pressley and McCormick’s reading, certain attention is paid to Bandura’s observational learning theory. According to Bandura, human behavior is the main source for children to learn. People demonstrate their attitudes, give examples, and show the ways how knowledge could be gained and used. There is no right or wrong way to use knowledge. Learners always have options, and the observational learning theory provides the options in the form of verbal and imaginal systems (Pressley & McCormick 1995).
The usage of this theory helps teachers and learners at the same time. As soon as students learn something new, they are able to observe the ways to use their knowledge, investigate possible results, and make the conclusions. In their turn, educators can easily find the material to use in the educational process. Other theories are also applicable to the case and help to clarify the factors that have to be recognized in education and learning processes. For example, Piaget and Vygotsky, with their ideas of cognitive development and the stages with their own functions and effects on people and their recognition of the world, Erikson’s theory of social development, or Kohlberg’s theory of moral development, may be used (Slavin 2006). All these theorists focused on different aspects of human development and proved that any development is the process with a certain purpose that has to be described and cannot be neglected. Social interactions are crucial, according to Vygotsky. Piaget explains the changes in mental abilities. Kohlberg develops the ideas that facilitate the learning processes of boys with their moral reasoning and judgments. Finally, Erikson’s approach helps to clarify the nature of challenges and concerns people have to deal with during their life.
Comment
My classmate’s posting is powerful. First, it contains interesting and clear information on the theoretical background. Second, it is based on personal attitudes to the subject and the importance of education as an opportunity to stay active and use an action as a form of education and the way of knowledge demonstration.
Reference List
Pressley, M & McCormick, C 1995, Advanced educational psychology for educators, researchers, and policymakers, HarperCollins College Publishers, New York.
Slavin, RE 2006, Educational psychology: theory and practice, Allyn and Bacon, Boston.