New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What does cognitivism emphasize about the learning process?

1. Learning is a passive process

2. Learning is an active process

3. Learning solely depends on memorization

4. Learning only occurs in structured settings

The correct answer is: Learning is an active process

Cognitivism emphasizes that learning is an active process where learners engage with and manipulate information to construct understanding. This perspective contrasts with views that suggest learning is a passive reception of information. In cognitivism, learners are seen as active participants who not only absorb information but also organize it, integrate it with prior knowledge, and apply it in different contexts. This approach encourages strategies such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and self-regulation, which further enrich the learning experience. Additionally, the focus on cognitive processes highlights the importance of understanding how learners think, reason, and remember, thereby shaping instructional methods to facilitate deeper learning. The other options fail to capture the dynamic nature of learning emphasized by cognitivism, portraying it instead as a static or overly simplistic process. Thus, recognizing learning as an active mental engagement is central to cognitivist theory.