Module 2: Cognitivism as a Learning Theory, According to Kerr and Kapp

Cognitivism as a Learning Theory, According to Kerr and Kapp

I agree with Kapp that no one learning theory explains the majority of the human population. Since individuals learn differently, there are learning styles that appeal to these differences; as what may work for one individual may not for another. The same is true for all of the learning theories, or ‘isms,’ as Kerr refers to them, which have been incorporated into education to attempt to explain how individuals think and learn. Therefore, to appeal to the majority of the human population, I agree with Kapp that philosophies and concepts from each of the learning theories should be combined; thereby implementing yet another learning theory that attempts to define the majority of humans. Another strong point that Kapp made is that learning is not one set thing… Learning entails the acquisition, application, and retention of information and knowledge. It is not enough to simply acquire (gain) the information from an array of sources, but the information needs to be presented in a way that is relevant and meaningful to the learner. Additionally, the learner needs to be placed in situations where he or she can actually use (apply) the knowledge, as we tend to remember more of what we do than what we hear or see. And I think that the application stage is what assists with retention of the information.

References:

Kapp, K. (2007). Out and about: Discussion on educational schools of thought [Web log post]. Retrieved March 28, 2012 from http://www.kaplaneduneering.com/kappnotes/index.php/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational/

Kerr, B. (2007). _Isms as filter, not blinker. Retrieved March 28, 2012 from http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html

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I responded to Sherri Carey's (http://theoryandeducationaltech.blogspot.com/) and Jason's (http://learningtheoryinedtech.blogspot.com/2012/03/learning-theory-in-ed-tech.html) post.