"As technology increasingly takes over knowledge-based work, the cognitive skills that are central to today's education systems will remain important." -Klaus Schwab

Welcome to the 21st century where the way we educate ourselves is evolving. Traditional chalk and talk teaching methods are beginning to be supplemented by new ways of teaching. We're living in interesting times where technology is taking over to make learning more intriguing to the students of today.

For example, you might have heard people talking about methods such as Cognitive Learning (CL). Well, without further delay, the purpose of this blog post is to explain the concept of cognitive learning to all people and see how it makes learning more interesting and how it will continue to develop in the future.

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What's the Definition of Cognitive Learning?

using electronic devices
CL requires technological devices such as phones, computers, or tablets to access sites. (Source: Unsplash)

Known in shorter terms as CL, cognitive learning involves using adaptive computer systems to encourage students to solve real-life problems, instead of simply learning the theoretical aspects of subjects like mathematics. However, it isn’t all just about learning from computers, though; CL uses artificial intelligence systems to personalise learning, identifying weak spots in students’ knowledge, matching activities with their interests and linking theory to practical aspects of their daily lives.

The leader in the field of CL is Carnegie Learning Inc., an organisation founded in 1998 which offers computerised tutoring for (US) middle school, high school and post-secondary students. The system is said to promote much more rapid learning, thereby permitting students to delve into subjects. Learning doesn’t end when mathematical problems are solved; rather, students are encouraged to connect ideas and to see how what they have just learned connects to other branches of learning – i.e. their ‘critical thinking’ skills are stimulated.

But, how can students effectively use Carnegie Learning's software? It's worth mentioning that Carnegie Learning Inc.’s software tends to be used twice a week. During a typical class, children will begin by logging onto a computer and attempting to answer a host of problems and activities, based on the area they are studying at the time (the problems might focus, for instance, on algebra or calculus). The programme will analyse the way each student is answering the problems, pointing out any mistakes they may be making and adjusting the rhythm to the student’s needs. For instance, if a student is having problems with one area of calculus, the programme will target this area, presenting students with specific explanations and activities until the area is no longer posing an obstacle.

There are a few other online resources that make use of cognitive learning, you might just have to explore a little.

How Does Cognitive Learning Make Studying Interesting?

using maths to your advantage
Cognitive Learning uses AI to make learning questions that are more tailored to the interests of each individual student. For instance, if you like cupcakes, your maths questions will be about baking rather than driving or mechanics. (Source: Unsplash)

Cognitive Learning attempts to make the process of subject acquisition more enjoyable and employs different methods. Such as?CL is part of the ‘flipped learning’ method, made famous by the great Khan Academy; one of my favourite academic resources! The Khan Academy offers over 100,000 problems and activities for students to complete. All of the activities and problems to solve are catered to their particular weaknesses and strengths that students might experience in the traditional school setting.

Topics covered on the Khan Academy site include mathematics, history, medicine, chemistry, biology, economics, organic chemistry, macroeconomics, microeconomics and science.

The idea of flipped learning is for each student to work on the areas they need to, and for the teacher or tutor to act as a guide. The software allows students and teachers to see, in real-time, areas they are having difficulty with, so they can tackle these problem areas with students. Flipped learning avoids the typical scenario where the teacher arrives, chalk/whiteboard pen in hand, and begins to lecture students, regardless of whether or not they may already know the subject matter or not understand it at all.

Flipped learning is an ingenious method of learning that is greatly welcomed by modern students.

The flipped and CL methods take into account the fact that in one classroom, there may be various levels of understanding of a particular area since not all students progress at the same rhythm. By allowing each student to work at his/her own pace, teachers and tutors can avoid educational pitfalls like boredom, the fear of not being at the same level as peers, and passive learning, in which the teacher does all the talking and the student merely listens.

Most students who are now adults wonder how they ever managed to get through difficult subjects like chemistry, physics and advanced maths. How did they do it? Basically, the problem is that students are often not taught how these subjects have a vital connection to the real world; CL seeks to show students the practical value of everything they are learning. This is in huge contrast to past ways of acquiring information.

The best CL programmes not only make learning practical; they also cater to students’ personal interests. For instance, a typical maths problem might read: “A car is travelling at 100km/hr. How many hours will its driver take to reach a distance of 300km?” This example can be boring for those who do not have an interest in driving.

Cognitive software allows students to select an area of interest (e.g. music, cooking, mobile phones, shopping, etc.) and applies the same mathematical concepts to the student’s chosen interests – as such, the question might be rephrased in the following manner: “A pastry shop makes 100 cupcakes an hour. How many hours will it take them to make 300 cupcakes?” – which is ideal for students with an interest in baking. By relating mathematical problems to students’ hobbies and interests, they begin to discover the unthinkable: mathematics can be beautiful!

With Cognitive Learning, Are Tutors Still Necessary?

Even though cognitive learning is a godsend that is helping millions of students worldwide, it is important to recognise that CL does not eliminate the need for teachers/tutors. On the contrary, educator or tutor is more important than ever, because they are vital when it comes to leading and monitoring children, making sure they are advancing and reaching their study goals. The best teaching method, point out researchers, is a combination of face-to-face and computerised learning, and this makes sense when one considers that technology is a bigger part of the everyday life of adults and children alike.

Therefore, you could say that cognitive learning complements private tutoring perfectly since CL students need private educators at times to help them make sense of the subject matter they are reviewing. 

The good news is that CL is not just for students; it is for anyone who wishes to hone in on long-forgotten areas of knowledge, or who finally feels brave enough to tackle difficult subjects they may have given up on as children, simply because they didn’t have the opportunity to enjoy a personalised learning experience. Websites like the Khan Academy, a great CL resource, and Superprof, the best site to find private tutors, prove it never is too late to learn new things.

What is the Future of Cognitive Learning?

past ways of teaching
Copying down notes that are written on the board by teachers should be something of the past. (Source: Unsplash)

Though it's made great strides in the last few years, CL is still in its infancy, and there is plenty in store for those with a passion for learning. Carnegie Learning Inc. has received grants and so have other companies so that they can continue to test the effect of cognitive and non-cognitive factors on the learning process. The aim is to delve into how interest levels, moods and persistence affect learning.

In conclusion, it's safe to say that you now know what cognitive learning is and how it is shaping the future of education in the UK and abroad. We hope that you have found this blog post interesting. Please feel free to leave a comment and tell us what you think about the world of Cognitive Learning.

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Brentyn

Avid movie-goer, reader, skier and language learner. Passionate about life, food and travelling.