Learning is about the use of our brains. In order to effectively learn, we install knowledge and memory into this chamber in our heads. We often use memorization or repetition if we badly want to stock whatever we wanted to learn. But our brains has more potential other than that. Memorization is good, but what if you learn not just by using memory but also through using your brain to the fullest.

Cognitive learning is one of the most effective way to learn. According to Valamis (2020) cognitive learning is an active method of learning that centers on helping an individual learn on how to get the best out of the brain’s potential. Through this, it will be easier for a learner to link new information and create critical and creative ideas, thus improving memory and retention capacity.  

Cognition is the capability of the brain’s mental progressions to absorb and preserve information through experience, senses, and thought. If a learner will sense or simply feel an actual circumstance that can potentially maximize his use of brain.         

There are different ways to properly implement cognitive learning. One way is to focus on meaningful learning. By this, a learner will have a connection to the learning and will have better skills and strategies in having better results or grades. Learning is a continuous process. Instead of just memorizing a learner must connect himself to the lesson in order for him to implant the lesson into the brain. Here are some of the ways to execute it:

• Ask the students for reflection. Asking them for what they have learned or about their experiences will help them to have better understanding. If they will recognize or classify experiences that is close to their hearts they will have a deep connection with the lesson.
• Aid the students in creating solutions in problems. Creating new solutions is a difficult task especially to younger ones. Try to give them hints or clues to help them analyze the situation better. Lead them in order for them to think critically.
• Inform the students about the purpose of the lesson. Don’t just teach them because they might force themselves to just memorize the lesson. Instead, tell them the importance, purpose or the reason for studying the topic.
• Always ask them to justify or explain their answers. By this, you are ensuring their comprehension. This can also improve their reasoning skills. And if they have a better reason meaning they have a better connection with the topic.
• Use visual aids or organizational charts. There are other learners who learns better through the use of their eyes. If they can utilize their best sense then there is a better connection to the lesson.

By doing most of this, learners will be able to understand concepts and ideas in learned and not just memorized them. Also, teachers will be able to determine the effective way for a student to effectively learn. Cognitive learning will broaden a learner’s mind and will help him see the bigger picture in every concepts and lessons.  There are many ways to learn but to learn with the deep understanding and an inseparable connection to the lesson is indeed the best way.

References:

Grade Power. (n.d.). The Cognitive Learning Approach. Retrieved from Grade Power Learning: https://gradepowerlearning.com/cognitive-learning-theory/

Valamis. (2020, July 28). Cognitive Learning. Retrieved from Valamis.com: https://www.valamis.com/hub/cognitive-learning

By: Lexicon B. Collamar | Teacher III | Cataning Elementary School