we learn every day of our lives from the moment we are born. Without realizing it, we have been occupied with at least one of the 3 stages of learning to actually gain knowledge: cognitive learning, associative learning or independent learning. Each of these stages of learning is very different from the others. These stages can be taken gradually, where one stage precedes another, or individually, where each complete teaching technique is on its own. In any situation that involves opportunities for learning, a person who wants to acquire knowledge makes a subconscious decision to acquire it in a certain way, based on any one or combination of the three stages above. If you want to learn faster, it's important that you know what stage of learning you're in right now and what steps to take next to move on to the next stage of learning.
Stage 1: Cognitive Learning
Cognitive learning works towards developing a shared understanding of skills. It engages students in the learning process, getting them to use their brains more effectively to make new connections with the knowledge that is already stored in their head. It improves hearing, helps develop problem-solving skills, and promotes long-term learning. It can also be considered as the first stage of learning, where the learner observes and listens and draws conclusions based on the knowledge he has already received. This knowledge could be acquired through conscious or subconscious learning. Knowledge in the cognitive stage can be acquired through any of the following methods:
Implicit Learning
This happens when the student is unaware of what they are actually learning. It is not associated with a specific instruction, rather it occurs through verbal and visual cues and usually occurs in a social environment. A child learning to speak is an example of knowledge acquired implicitly: in a social environment without learning from an instructor. This type of learning persists well for many years and is resistant to psychological changes in the individual. Best for breeding skill and not affected by age or IQ.
Explicit Learning
It occurs when a person actively seeks opportunities for learning. This may or may not be attractive to the teacher. It also requires verbal and visual cues. A good example of this type of learning would be learning to ride a bike. A person wishing to ride a bike can try to learn on their own, imitate another person's actions (visual cues) or can check with someone who already knows how to do it (verbal cues). Explicit brain training environments to solve problems and learn new concepts.
Cooperative learning
This is the type of training most commonly used in educational institutions. This implies varying degrees of interaction between the student, teacher, and other students. The instructor gives knowledge and helps students to comprehend it. Students are encouraged to discuss the newly obtained data, connect it to the knowledge gained previously and use it in coursework. Collaborative learning enhances higher levels of thinking, verbal communication, and student leadership while promoting self-esteem, acceptance of diverse opinions, and student-teacher and student-peer relationships.
Cooperative learning
It is structured in such a way that students have the opportunity to interact with each other and the instructor - where to follow the instructions and the best skills and qualities that are observed and learned. Cooperative learning is best observed in an environment where practical knowledge is also gained. Playing fields and science labs are good examples of cooperative learning. This type of cognitive training helps increase retention of power and self-confidence and build relationships. This opens up opportunities for social support and helps to improve attitudes and tolerance towards authority and even those who are different from others.
Observational Study
Observational learning is the acquisition of knowledge through observation and imitation of others. It is an effective learning technique as it makes learning an enjoyable activity, encourages social interaction, improves memory and affects mannerisms. Albert Bandura proved the effectiveness of observational learning in his Bobo Dolls experiment, where children who saw an adult fell into the dolls too. Those kids who didn't see the Bobo doll hitting it didn't hit him. This type of training can be positive, such as teaching compassion and sports behavior, or negative, such as learning to be afraid of snakes or spiders just because someone around us is afraid of them. Learn more about observational learning in this article: How to use the observational learning skill effectively
Meaningful Learning
Meaningful learning occurs when a concept has been fully understood and put into practice. This is a purposeful way of gaining knowledge, and is the opposite of cramming. A good example of this style of teaching would be a chemistry student who learns in class that mixing certain chemicals will result in an explosive reaction. This Knowledge will stop him from mixing these chemicals in the lab. Meaningful learning is a robust learning style as it requires linking new information to previously acquired knowledge. It is constructive and encourages learning through a variety of methods. Like cognitive learning, the next stage of learning can also be taken as a stand-alone methodology or as the second stage of a three-phase learning system.
Stage 2: Learning Associative
Associative learning, where the brain is designed to learn or change responses, taking into account the stimuli it provides. This type of learning occurs when new and old data can be related to each other, providing weight to the theory that ideas and experiences complement each other. Associative learning emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge from the environment and enhances optimal behavior. These are the brain's conditions to anticipate consequences and make decisions based on those expected outcomes. Let's take a look at the different conditionings of associative learning:
Classical Conditioning
It is a form of associative learning where the brain is trained to associate a particular desired outcome with an action.((VeryWellMind: Classical Conditioning Overview)) In school, it can be extra play time if students complete assignments early, and in the office, it can be a cash bonus if the person meets their goals. At home, this can be extra time for the kids when they finish work. Classical conditioning focuses on learning from our environment and fostering critical thinking. It can help change a student's negative traits and can be used to help overcome phobias.
Operant Conditioning
An operant condition is the idea that certain actions will result in reward or punishment. This type of conditioning offers an easy way to learn new lessons. The mind can be trained to expect a reward for every book completed (homework pass) or a punishment for being late to school (custodial). This article positive motivation vs. negative motivation: which one better explains the concept of associative learning in light of positive and negative implications.
Extinguishing Conditioner
Extinguishing conditioning is when the brain is trained to not expect a pre-expected response when certain conditions are not met. The scrapped comedian jokes that no longer cause laughter is a good example of redemptive conditioning. You can use this type of mind conditioning to change existing behavior that you may not want.
Discriminant Conditioner
Discriminant conditioning is when the brain is trained to reliably expect a particular outcome to a stimulus. An example of this would be training a dog to jump on the command "jump" rather than when commanded to "sit", "stand" or "close". Moving on from associative learning, we come to the third stage - and if there will be a step-by-step final stage of learning, which gives students more freedom.
Stage 3: Self-study
At this stage of learning, students gain knowledge through independent efforts and develop the ability to recognize and evaluate away from teachers and peer influence. Teachers or mentors are not instructors, but intermediaries. ((Professor Jack S. Richards: Autonomous Learning)) Students at this stage have sufficient knowledge and power to control their learning. They look for sources that will help them make decisions based on their own understanding of the issue. In addition, learners are responsible for setting targets and goals, and making sure their understanding is clear in order to achieve the learning goal. Autonomous learning encourages learners to learn at will. They have the ability to plan, execute their own training plan and create strategies to achieve their goals. They are known for their learning style and can self-assess.
Bottom Line
Each stage of learning is critical in its own way. At 3 stages of learning-cognitive learning, associative learning and autonomous learning proved to be successful. When combined and used as a progressive way to acquire knowledge and skills, you can become a lifelong learner and always learn at your own pace.
Read more about Effective Learning
- 13 Ways to Develop Self-Study Ability and Learn Faster
- 12 Powerful Learning Strategies to Help You Retain Information Fast
- 9 Effective Teaching Habits to Smart Learners