Applying Cognitive Flexibility Theory to Adaptive Learning

Video Transcription

Hi, my name is Ashley. And this lesson is titled, "Applying Cognitive Flexibility Theory to Adaptive Learning." In today's lesson, we will define the cognitive flexibility theory. And we'll find how cognitive flexibility theory supports the use of adaptive learning. Lastly, we'll look at the best practices and tips for incorporating adaptive learning and the cognitive flexibility theory.

What is the cognitive flexibility theory? This theory states that humans are flexible and adaptive in learning situations. We have the ability to adjust our thinking and accommodate new knowledge as we learn it. We are also able to restructure knowledge so that it fits in with what we already know.

A good example of the cognitive flexibility theory is maybe considering a misconception that you once had. Maybe you thought at one time that unicorns were real, but after receiving research and finding data that supports that unicorns don't actually exist, you were able to adapt your thinking to be able to receive this new knowledge. All in all, cognitive flexibility theory is having the ability to change our thinking and adapt it to different situations.

How does the cognitive flexibility theory support adaptive learning? According to Spiro, technology is well suited for cognitive flexibility theory because technology is flexible, so it promotes and develops executive functions of cognitive flexibility. Adaptive learning can also better address learning needs.

It's very individualized. Adaptive learning creates individualized learning experiences that move from simple to complex and it helps develop cognitive thinking skills. Teachers who still use textbook reading, and lectures, and drill and practice are not really meeting the needs of individual learners. Adaptive learning helps individualize learning for students. It provides a better diagnosis for students with specific learning needs and gives them the support that they need by providing immediate feedback to develop concepts that lead to mastery of objectives.

What are best practices and tips for incorporating adaptive learning and the cognitive flexibility theory? Well, you should use case-based learning with collaborative groups of students. This allows for discussion to take place on the content, and for students to ask questions and answer them in a collaborative setting.

Students can use their own background information in order to brainstorm with others and come up with solutions to their questions. It's very important that prior knowledge is accessed in order to incorporate new learning. Teachers should also provide a problem or situation to students to allow them to adjust their understanding of information once they receive new information. The main goal is to allow students to generalize their knowledge and be able to apply it on a case-by-case basis.

In today's lesson, we learned that the cognitive flexibility theory is humans having the ability to change their thinking and not being stuck with one thought forever. If new information is found, we're able to adjust our thinking and incorporate that new information. Cognitive flexibility supports adaptive learning in that it allows for individualized learning. Students are able to have their needs specifically addressed, and it provides immediate feedback.

When incorporating adaptive learning and the cognitive flexibility theory, it's also important that we use a case-based learning with collaborative groups. Students should access their prior knowledge when discussing topics with their peers, and ask content-related questions and brainstorm solutions with each other. The teacher can also provide a problem or situation where students might need to adjust their understanding once they have received new information.

As we bring the lesson to a close, consider how you can combine the use of adaptive learning technologies and the theory of cognitive flexibility in your classroom. To dive a little deeper and learn how to apply this information, be sure to check out the additional resources section associated with this video. This is where you'll find links targeted toward helping you discover more ways to apply this course material.