Cognitive learning and instruction theory give a new way of looking at learning and instruction. In contrast to behaviorism, which was based on observable things, cognitivism accepts thinking process as learning. This may not be directly observable ever, which would not be accepted by behaviorists. However, learning usually manifests in behaviors that can be observed.

 

Cognitive learning theories almost seem like a natural growth from behaviorism. It is clear while using behaviorist terms to understand learning, that it is leaving quiet a few things out. Cognitivism talks about mental structures or schemas of learning. Humans are said to organize experiences in certain ways. Humans acquire knowledge and form mental images of them.

 

Cognitivism explains memory and storage concepts. Humans clearly take knowledge and store it in memory. These memory form the basis of learning. There is also the aspect of experience in cognitivism as humans take in new knowledge and try to associate it with things they already know. This new information can be assimilated or accommodated to form learning.

 

Cognitivism begins with the senses. Our sensory receptors are constantly bombarded with stimulus. Most of these never register, but some do. The things that register can move from short term to working memory, and if seen necessary by the individual move to long term memory. Thus learning can be enhanced by structuring ways to enhance required senses to make it through this process by ways like scaffolding. 

 

Perception is another concept that is explained by cognitivism. The same experience might be stored by different individuals in different ways. Perception may also be different from reality. Some learning processes are unique to humans, like languages; which is in contrast to equipotentiality explained earlier.