4. Key Points of Theory
The cognitivist model basically disputes that the “black box”
of the mind should be opened and understood. The student is
looked at as an information processor (like a computer).
Behaviorism was traded for the new cognitivist model in the
1960’s. Cognitivism focuses on the inner mental activities.
Opening the “black box” of the human mind is valuable and
necessary for understanding how people learn.
People are not programmed lab rats that merely respond to
environmental stimuli; however, people are rational beings
that require active participation in order to learn, and whose
actions are a consequence of thinking. Changes in behavior
are observed, but only as an indication of what is occurring in
the learner’s head. Cognitivism uses the metaphor of the
mind as computer: information comes in, is being
processed, and leads to certain outcomes.
5. Key Points of 9 Events of
Instruction
1. Gain attention of the learners…
2. Inform learners of the objective…
3. Stimulate recall of prior learning…
4. Present the stimulus or lesson…
5. Provide learning guidance and instruction…
6. Elicit performance…
7. Provide Feedback…
8. Assess performance…
9. Enhance retention and transfer…
6. Classroom Implications
Teacher: This theory provides a
framework for the instructor with and
without technology.
Students: This theory presents
information in a sequential order to the
students in a way to improve their
internal process of learning.
7. Classroom Implications (cont.)
This theory creates a great
framework, however it assumes that
the learners are passive.
But, overall I think it would be an
interesting and good theory to practice
for my classroom with technology-
enriched lesson plans.
