Response to "Learning is a mental process"

Cognitive Learning Theory, CLT, uses the perspective process to explore the depths of a person's mind. The primary aspect of the cognitive learning theory involves  various mental components and how information flows throughout the network.

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The CLT reminds me of the function of a computer. A computer can obtain information by various means such as keyboard input, scanned input, and internet searches. The information received has to be sorted and stored in multiple places. Some information is best stored in short term memory or RAM, random access memory, while other information is stored in long term memory on the hard drive. The computer has to determine where to store the information so that it would be the most beneficial. The brain has to do the same with all of the stimulus that we receive. 

Gagne stressed that different variables influence the learning of different types of tasks. He identified five domains of leaning outcomes: information, intellectual skills, cognitive strategies, motor skills, and attitudes.Gagne believed that the different variable may effect the ability to learn tasks in one domain but not in another. He placed emphasis on identifying the best instructional events to maximize learning. Gagne used his theory to determine nine separate things that needed to happen to optimize learning called Gagne's Nine Events of Learning.  [1]

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The Nine Events of Learning can be applied to both educational and other professional environments.I use the Nine Events of Learning in team trainings. All nine are important but there are several that more effective in trainings. It is very important to "Inform Learners of the Objective" being taught. Team members need to know what they need to learn and understand why it is important. The trainer should convey the benefit of what is being taught to the team members and the organization. The trainer has to "Provide Learning Guidance" to help the team learn and retain the information. Alternate approaches should be used to illustrate the information to ensure that team members have full understanding of the information. The trainer must also "Elicit Performance" by having the team member demonstrate their knowledge of the subject. The member can demonstrate the new skill or relay the information being taught. The trainer should ask the members to complete an assessment or other tool of measurement to "Assess Performance". Last, the trainer will seek to determine how well the team members retain and transfer the information by having the team members apply the skills to various situations. 

Reference:

1. Learning Theory Fundamentals