Cognitive Structures
The concept of cognitive structure is an overarching term referring to the mental models, relationships and mental mechanisms that, when combined together, are necessary for understanding the range of cognitive operations that an individual can complete. Cognitive structures can be produced through the interaction of different elements and processes, such as knowledge, abilities, attitudes and beliefs. Cognitive theories suggest that humans have a number of cognitive structures that are used in a variety of ways in order to comprehend new concepts or accurately predict outcomes. This article will provide a brief overview of the concept of cognitive structure and then explain how cognitive structures can be developed and used to support learning.
There are various models of cognitive structure, but all agree that cognitive structures are organized into mental representations, mental rules/strategies, mental models/schemas and mental images/memories. These structures help organize and store important information in a humans memory that can be used to solve problems, generate ideas and help in general decision-making. Additionally, each of these cognitive structures serves to limit or expand the range of mental operations available and to provide a structure of understanding for the task at hand.
Cognitive structure can include physical memory, spatial memory, working memory, long-term memory and executive functions. Each of these areas can influence the other and thus influence the individual’s ability to learn and develop cognitive skills. Physical memory is the basis for all cognitive processes as it stores information about physical objects as well as information about processes and instructions. Spatial memory refers to the ability to understand and interact with geographical locations and spaces. Working memory is the process by which information is stored and processed in short-term and long-term memory. Long-term memory stores information that has been learned over time and can be used to recall facts and events. Executive functions refer to higher level functions such as planning, problem solving and regulating behavior.
The development of cognitive structures plays an important role in how humans learn. Cognitive structures enable the acquisition and storage of new information, while providing a means to extract, interpret and use that information. By understanding how cognitive structures work, educators can work to develop the necessary skills in their students to enable them to apply cognitive structures to the tasks they face.
Cognitive structure development can be fostered through the use of classroom activities that facilitate understanding and application of the relationships between objects and facts. For example, teachers can provide problem-solving exercises that require students to organize, analyze and manipulate data as a way of developing cognitive structure. Other activities, such as figure-ground discrimination tasks, can also help to foster cognitive structure development. Through the use of these activities, students can engage in a process of trial and error in order to master the concept being addressed and gain an understanding of the relationships of objects and facts.
Cognitive structures can also be developed and consolidated through the use of intentional instruction. This type of instruction is student centered, and focuses on the development of cognitive capabilities rather than the delivery of facts and information. Intentional instruction empowers the learners, allowing them to think critically, propose and test hypotheses, and construct meaning. Through this type of instruction, students can learn how to think more deeply and better relate facts and data to enable the development of cognitive structure.
In conclusion, cognitive structure is an important concept of cognitive theory. It helps to explain how humans organize, store and use information. In order to be successful learners, it is important for students to understand the concept of cognitive structure and to create a strong base of cognitive structures to enable them to learn new information. Through the use of classroom activities and intentional instruction, students can develop and strengthen their cognitive structures, and thereby improve their overall academic achievement.
