Cognitive Theory and EFL Teaching

and LearningCourse: CUTM 6102/ SQUDone by: Noor Said Al-MaashaniID: 53573Date: 30. Oct. 2013

Outline:1. Introduction2. Major contributors to the theory3. Details about the theory 3.1 General assumptions of the theory 3.2 Explanation of mental/ informational processes 4. Cognitive theory and learning 4.1 How the learner is viewed 4.2 Recommended study strategies 4.3 Teacher’s role 4.4Recommended teaching methods and materials5. The applications of the theory in EFL6. The references

1 .Introduction Cognitive theory is a learning theory that caused a revolution in 1960s against the behaviorism theory, rejected and replaced it.The theory;• views human beings as logical beings who

make the choices which make sense to them.• explains human behavior through

understanding the thought processes.• emphasizes mental processes and rejects the

simple cause and effect concept of behaviorism.

2. Major Contributors to the Development of the Theory

Noam Chomsky Bruner, Goodnow, and AustinUlric NeisserDavid Ausubel Robert Gagne’The Gestalt psychologists of Germany Benjaman Bloom

3 .Details about

the Theory

3.1 General Assumptions of the Theory

• Thinking, memory and problem- solving must be explored.

• Learning involves the formation of mental associations that are not necessarily reflected in overt behavior changes.

• Learning is a process of relating new information to previously learned information.

• knowledge is organized.

• Meaningful Learning is emphasized over rote learning

3.2 Explanation of the Mental Process

Information Processing Learning Theory

(a dominant theory of learning and memory since the mid- 1970s)

It compares human mind to a computer

Basic Concepts Learning vs. Memory

Storage

Encoding

Retrieval

4 .Cognitive Theory and Learning

4.1 How is Learner viewed?

• Information selector• Information processor• Information organizer • Critical thinker• Problem- solver• Active learner• Interactive• Attentive• Motivated

4.2 Recommended Learning Strategies

• Note- taking• Underlining• Summarizing• Writing to learn• Outlining & mapping• Using questioning techniques

4.3 Role of the Teacher

• grasps and sustains attention• stimulates • plans • organizes• creates• facilitates• motivates• develops intelligence and cognitive and

metacognitive skills• improves students’ concept retention

4.4 Recommended Methods and Materials

• Rehearsing • Discussions• Projects • Plays• Audio- visual aids• Graphic organizers• Computer programs• Demonstration and illustration

5 .The Application of Cognitive Theory in EFL

Examples:

• Using posters to teach grammar• Using pictures to teach vocabulary• Using plays to teach stories • Using graphic organizers to teach

vocabulary and support reading comprehension

The References• Borden, D. & Fahringer, C. Cognitivim Learning and Mind. Retrieved [2013, October 29] from

http://www.slideshare.net/dborden/cognitivism-with-voice-over

• Cuna, E. Cognitive Theory. Retrieved [2013, October 29] from http://erincunia.com/portfolio/MSportfolio/ide621/ide621f03production/cognitive.htm

• Fritscher, L. (2011,April12). Cognitive Theory. Retrieved [2013, October 28] from http://phobias.about.com/od/glossary/g/cognitivethedef.htm

• Hall, T., & Strangman, N. (2002). Graphic organizers. Wakefield, MA: National Center on Accessing the General Curriculum. Retrieved [2013, October 28] from http://aim.cast.org/learn/historyarchive/backgroundpapers/graphic_organizers#.Um9xWaSNXVI

• Information Processing learning Theory. Retrieved [ 2013, October 28] from http://effectivetechnologyintegrationideas.wikispaces.com/Information+Processing+Learning+Theory

• Information Processing Theory. Retrieved [2013, october28] from http://www.etsu.edu/fsi/learning/infoprocessing.aspx

• Teresa, B. Cognitivism. Retrieved [2013, October 29] from http://www.slideshare.net/mandysmama/teresab-cognitivism-12286111

• • The Moodle: Information Processing and Cognitive Theories of Learning