Cognitive Learning Theories

Learning Outcomes
At the end of the lesson, students are able
to:
Discuss cognitive learning theories
(Gestalt, Piaget, Bruner and
Constructivism).
Elaborate the application of cognitive
learning theories in the classroom.

Cognitive Learning
Theory
Gestalt Theory

o Gestalt ( Insight)

A-ha!
Learning restructuring of perceptions
Restructuring enable learner to
perceive new relationships

Theorists: W. Kohler / K. Koffka /

Wertheimer

Restructuring solve new problems

increase understanding
of basic knowledge in an
area of study
The whole is greater than the sum of its
parts.
Concepts Phi phenomenon
Insight

Gestalt movement started with a research

conducted by Wertheimer when he was
traveling in a train to Germany. He saw
along his journey lights which appear to be
moving. The illusion is caused by the
movement of the train. After observing the
phenomenon, Wertheimer conducted
several experiments with two bulbs which
were switched on and off repeatedly until
they appear to be moving. Following that a
(Phi Phenomenon
theory known as the Phi phenomenon
was ).

discovered.

A phenomenon can be the result of a

combination of elements which are
different from the elements which caused
it. Example : movement of lights cannot be
explained by analysis of the two bulbs (i.e.,
elements of switch on and off but a result
of the combination of those elements. An
individual who has observed the
phenomenon has made some associations
combined the elements to create the
perception of movement. In other words
the individual has added something to his

TheSomething is an ORGANIZATION. We cannot

determine the meaning of a phenomenon if we study
the elements separately. If the elements are grouped
together in a configuration or organization; it is
meaningful and this is called a gestalt. Gestalt is a
German word which means form, pattern or
configuration.
Example: when you look at the picture of a famous
person, you do not look separately; hair, eyes, nose
and mouth. Instead you will look at the person as a
whole ('Gestalt') that is the physical appearance of
that person.

The whole is greater than the sum of

its parts. So the face of the famous
person is greater than the sum of his hair,
eyes, nose and mouth.
Do you know why?

'Insight phenomenon
Wolfgang Kohler, a German psychologist studied on hoe
chimpanzees solve problems. His research findings were
written in a book titled, The Mentality of Apes (1925).
Exsperiment 1:
A chimpanzee was placed in a cage. His problem was how
to reach for the bananas which were hung from the
ceiling. The problem was solved suddenly and
immediately after a period of time the ape was not
actively trying to deal with the problem. After trial and
error methods failed to solve the problem, the animal
would sit and think about the problem and then suddenly
get the solution. The ape saw the relationship between
the objects. When the animal was sitting and thinking,
he was actually undergoing a process of restructuring.

According to
Wertheimer:
Problem solving is divided into Type A and B:
Type A : Using insight and originality
Type B : Using association with previous
knowledge in rigid ways
Example ..

Area of rectangle

Area of parallelogram

Gestalt Laws
1. Law of pragnanz
People use various principles to organize
their perceptions.

The law of pragnanz is related to

perception. In perception there is a
tendency to look at something as a
good gestalt which has
characteristics such as stability,
similarity, equilibrium and so on.
This tendency is guided by the
following lawst:

(a) Law of Figure-Ground. A stimulus will

be perceived as separate from its
ground.

(b) Law of Proximity. When elements are grouped

closely together, they are perceived as the same
objects or in the same group.

(c) Law of Closure

People tend to complete the pattern and
see a meaningful picture.

(d) Law of Similarity

Elements

which

have

the

same

characteristics tend to be perceived as a

group.

(e) Law of Continuity

People tend to connect something
according to a certain direction.

Advance Organizer.
KOGNITIVISM

Gestalt
(Perception)

Piaget

Bruner
(Discovery Learning)

Cognitive Theory
Piaget
Heredity, environment and
maturation (growth process),
interact in the development of
intelligence and learning.

 Mekanism :
Adaptation

Asimilation

Akomodation

Equilibrium

How does an individual learn from one stage

to the next stage? (Intelligence and
Experience)

 SCHEME:
Organized pattern of thinking.
Provide the framework to handle
intellectual challenges.
Change with experience.

ASSIMILATION:
Interpret and react to new
experience or situation with the
existing schemas

 ACCOMODATION:
Change the existing schemas,
ways of thinking when faced with
new situations or ideas which are
not in line with the existing
schemas.
Development is the product of the
combination of assimilation and
accomodation adaptation

Jerome Bruner :
Concept learning
To conceptualise something means
thinking.
Concept abstract which represent an
object or situation which possess the
same characteristics.

 E.g. mammals (represent

organism mewakili warm
blooded vetebrate animal, give
birth and secretes milk.
Concept is similar to category.
E.g. of category:
Birds represent animals with
feathers,wings, beak and is
able to fly.

Categories and functions of Man

Bruner made a few assumptions:
Interactions between man and the
environment involves categories.

 It is important for us to develop

categories
Reasons :
Categories will reduce the
complexity in the environment
(respond to similar objects in the
environment).
Enable us to recognize objects easily.
Give direction for our actions.

 Reduce the necessity to learn on

certain objects.
Relate objects, situations and
events.
Bruners Theory states that :
To identify object means to place it
in the right category.

 Wrong perception means wrong

categorization.
Right perception needs:
- Learning the right categories.
- Know where to place object in the
right category.
- Know the existing objects in the
environment.
Discovery Learning (Pembelajaran
Penemuan)

Discovery Learning

Discovery Learning
Emphasized the importance of
understanding the structure of the subject
being studied, the need for active learning
as the basis for true understanding and the
value of inductive reasoning in learning.
Teachers should provide problem situations
stimulating students to question,explore
and experiment.

Constructivism
View that emphasizes the active role of
the learner in building understanding and
making sense of information.
Constructivist perspectives are grounded
in the research of Piaget, Vygotsky,
Gestalt psychologists and Bruner.

Summary
Gestalt psychology gave useful
guidance on how perception
influences learning.
Constructivism emphasizes that
teachers should guide students
to learn by themselves.