Cognitive Learning Theory

I feel that the Cognitive Theory is extremely useful in the Art Classroom. Teacher aids, such as PowerPoint presentations can be used in the Art classroom to introduce a unit or the history behind a unit or even to show students a visual of various art processes and procedures. By including this visual element, you are more likely to catch the student’s attention and build motivation for an upcoming unit or assignment. Using technology to include student aids is a great way to get students motivated. It is also a way to give the students a tool or outside resource to use in order to gain a better understanding of an assignment, process or procedure.

The visual elements and graphic organizers can be helpful to both the student and the teacher. The student will be able to use the graphic organizers, worksheets, etc… to study, reference, and elaborate on certain topics of interest. The teacher will be giving the students these tools, to increase their motivation and can also use these graphic organizers and worksheets as an assessment tool. This gives the teacher a hard copy, proof of the students work and progress. Also if students have to miss class these PowerPoints, organizers and worksheets can give absent students the opportunity to review and complete the information that they missed, without the teacher having to take out as much time to re-explain or re-teach the information.

Even though the Cognitive Learning Theory, to me, has an obvious place in art; after reviewing my peers lesson plans, student & teacher aids I can see how this theory can be very useful in a variety of subject areas and age groups.