Spiro, R. J. Knowledge representation, content specification, and the development of skill in situation-specific knowledge assembly: Some constructvist issues as they relate to cognitive flexibility theory and hypertext. Jonassen, Ambruso & Olesen (1992) describe an application of cognitive flexibility theory to the design of a hypertext program on transfusion medicine. What does Cognitive flexibility mean? Moreover, it refers to simultaneously considering multiple aspects of thought at once, whether they be two aspects of a specific object, or many aspects of a complex situation. Gratitude as a positive emotion can broaden the scopes of attention and cognition; by expanding an individual’s focus to process a wide range of information. Davis, B., & Francis, K. (2020). The Cognitive Flexibility Theory, introduced by Spiro, Feltovich, and Coulson in 1988, is about how learning takes place in “complex” and “ill-structured domains”. of Cognitive Flexibility Theory, see Spiro et al. In T. M. Duffy & D. H. Jonassen (Eds. Meaning of Cognitive flexibility. This article or chapter is incomplete and its contents need further attention. “Cognitive flexibility theory suggests that learners grasp the nature of complexity more readily by being presented with multiple representations of the same information in different contexts. Spiro, R. J., Feltovich, P. J., Jacobson, M. J., & Coulson, R. L. (1991). & Jehng, J. C. (1990). Often times, these beliefs and knowledge also restrict the recognition of new information (Spiro, 1988). Please cite this article as: Students are constantly switching gears, moving from science to English, to recess, and so on throughout the day. Cognitive Flexibility Theory (CFT) suggests that deep learning requires learners to engage with new content from multiple perspectives and in flexible ways of thinking. The cognitive flexibility theory (Spiro et al., 2003) suggests that peoples' fundamental beliefs and knowledge play an important role in shaping their behavior and determining the cognitive resources they access to solve problems. Further down Spiro (1992) argue that "The computer is ideally suited, by virtue of the flexibility it can provide, for fostering cognitive flexibility. Godshalk, Veronica M., Douglas M. Harvey, Leslie Moller (2004). 2003). Educational Technology,31 (9), 22-25. By seeing multiple representations of the same phenomenon learners develop the mental scaffolding necessary for considering novel applications within the knowledge domain. ), Cognition, education, and multimedia: Exploring ideas in high technology (pp. In D. Nix & R. Spiro (Eds. Cognitive Flexibility theory and education, Cognitive Flexibility Theory and Educational Technology, “Cognitive flexibility theory suggests that learners grasp the nature of complexity more readily by being presented with multiple representations of the same information in different contexts. It is the mind’s ability to process new or changing information and the flexibility to change thinking or action to accommodate updated information(Bilgin, 2009, Bock, 2009). Its primary applications have been literary comprehension, history, biology and medicine. Cognitive flexibility, constructivism, and hypertext: Random access instruction for advanced knowledge acquisition in ill-structured domains. They stated that cognitive flexibility is the ability to restructure knowledge in order to adapt and make use of … Various thematic elements can criss-cross numerous cases that seem quite dissimilar in an overt context but add to the learner\u2019s cognitive development.”, “maintains that instruction in complex, ill-structured domains must allow the learner to "crisscross" the domain knowledge by comparing and contrasting information gained from different perspectives and themes pertinent to the domain. 57-76). Boger-Mehall, Stephanie R. Cognitive Flexibility Theory: Implications for Teaching and Teacher Education. Cognitive flexibility refers to the ability to switch between thinking about two different concepts or to think about multiple concepts simultaneously. Cognitive flexibility theory is especially formulated to support the use of interactive technology (e.g., videodisc, hypertext). According to Spiro (1992): Any effective approach to instruction must simultaneously consider several highly intertwined topics, such as: Therefore: see Cognitive flexibility hypertexts but also case-based learning. [.... ] Cognitive flexibility … This chapter examines the labeling function of language, in this case as an aid to cognitive flexibility. Non-Trivial Constructivisms encompass a range of learning theories that invoke a “learning as construing” – vs. a “learning as constructing” – metaphor. Cognitive flexibility is strengthened when your brain has more neural pathways and connections. In addition, research pertaining to adults and elders is becoming more and more popular of an interest for study on this theory. Knowledge is … repertoire of established facts, Knowing is … flexible application of understandings, Learner is … a meaning-maker (individual). Extensive research has been done on this theory, particularly in regards to children and the way they adapt in classroom settings. What this and other studies do is clue us in to some key ideas for how to improve cognitive flexibility, ultimately making us more resilient, creative, and confident. Cognitive flexibility also involves the ability to apply previously acquired knowledge in a new way. Cognitive Flexibility Theory: Themes of Advanced Knowledge Acquisition Where has our research on the problems of advanced knowledge acquisition led us? Moreover, it refers to simultaneously considering multiple aspects of thought at once, whether they be two aspects of a … A vital demand made by the Cognitive Flexibility Theory is to reuse educational material at different times. [.... ] Cognitive flexibility hypertext fosters the development of knowledge-transfer skills by confronting the learner with multiple representations of case-events. (in press). The Cognitive Flexibility Theory, introduced by Spiro, Feltovich, and Coulson in 1988, is about how learning takes place in “complex” and “ill-structured domains”. Spiro and Jehng explained that cognitive flexibility means that students have the ability to restructure their knowledge as a response to the cognitive demands of various learning situations. In short, cognitive flexibility skills allow … A synthesized research definition of cognitive flexibility is a switch in thinking, whether that is specifically based on a switch in rules or broadly based on a need to switch one’s previous beliefs or thoughts to new situations. Let's identify the key elements of cognitive flexibility theory. Example: Jonassen, Ambruso & Olesen (1992) describe an application of cognitive flexibility theory to the design of a hypertext program on transfusion medicine. Central to its argument is the claim that most of the variance on theory-of-mind tasks can be attributed to the development of flexible perspective taking. https://learningdiscourses.com. We refer to the principled use of flexible features inherent in computers to produce nonlinear learning environments as Random Access Instruction (Spiro & Jehng, 1990).". Jonassen, Ambruso & Olesen (1992) describe an application of cognitive flexibility theory to the design of a hypertext program on transfusion medicine. Cognitive flexibility can be seen from a variety of viewpoints. Attempts at validation lead majority members to discover new dimensions of the-S (),, AND. Learning is seen in terms of integration of new information into existing structures through processes of internal codification. In essence, it’s a theory that strives to determine how the human mind can obtain and manage knowledge and how it restructures our existing knowledge base, based on the new information received. Cognitive flexibility can be seen from a variety of viewpoints. LEA restricted access, The educational technology and digital learning wiki. Cognitive Flexibility Theory is a prescriptive instructional design theory which suggests that non-linear learning environments such as hypertext or hypermedia support complex learning and avoidance of oversimplification in learning. Developed in late 80's by Dr. Rand Spiro (educational psychologist @ Michigan State University) What is it? The cognitive flexibility theory intends to foster the learners' ability to spontaneously reconstruct their … In other words, learners must be flexible in their understanding of a topic to apply important concepts.”. The learning environment presents multiple perspectives on the content, is complex and ill-defined, and emphasizes the construction of knowledge by the learner. Cognitive flexibility theory, which was introduced in 1988, examines how learners adapt to changing situations. Cognitive flexibility and hypertext: Theory and technology for the nonlinear and multidimensional traversal of complex subject matter. If you’re unfamiliar with Cognitive Flexibility (CF), it is essentially the brain’s ability and ease to switch one’s thinking (or train of thought) from one task to another in order to respond or adapt to new stimuli. 1. Cognitivism is explicitly developed around the metaphor “brain as computer.” It thus focuses on how information is acquired, processed, and organized. Cognitive flexibility has been described as the mental ability to switch between thinking about two different concepts, and to think about multiple concepts simultaneously. Information and translations of Cognitive flexibility in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. Gratitude enhances cognitive flexibility through the following mechanisms; The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. In particular, multidimensional and nonlinear hypertext systems, if appropriately designed to take into account all of the considerations discussed above, have the power to convey ill-structured aspects of knowledge domains and to promote features of cognitive flexibility in ways that traditional learning environments (textbooks, lectures, computer-based drill) could not (although such traditional media can be very successful in other contexts or for other purposes). It emphasizes the advanced knowledge acquisition, which allows "flexible reassembly of preexisting knowledge to adaptively fit the needs of a new situation." The program provides a number of different clinical cases which students must diagnose and treat using various sources of information available (including advice from experts). The Role of Learning Tasks on Attitude Change Using Cognitive Flexibility Hypertext Systems, Journal of the Learning Sciences, 13 (4) 507-526. Different interactive exercises help us improve our cognitive flexibility. It reinterprets the relation between language and theory of mind in terms of language-related effects on cognitive flexibility. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. (1987, 1988), Spiro and Jehng (1990) and Feltovich et al. “Cognitive Flexibility Theory” in Discourses on Learning in Education. Why the risk of cognitive flexibility is lack of identity? The cognitive flexibility theory was created by Rand J. Spiro, Richard L. Feltovitch and Paul J. Coulson. What is … Despite some disagreement in the literature about how to operationally define the term, one commonality is that cognitive flexibility is a component of executive functioning. Cognitive flexibility is a component of executive functioning, and is the ability to switch between two different concepts and think about multiple things simultaneously in a way that is organized and functional. Definition of Cognitive flexibility in the Definitions.net dictionary. Its primary applications have been literary comprehension, history, biology and medicine. According to Godshalk et al (2004: 510), Cognitive Flexibility Theory “maintains that instruction in complex, ill-structured domains must allow the learner to "crisscross" the domain knowledge by comparing and contrasting information gained from different perspectives and themes pertinent to the domain. The aspect of Cognitive Flexibility Theory that … Cognitive Flexibility Theory focuses on the nature of learning in complex and ill structure domain. (Sprio, Feltovich, Jacobson & Coulson, 1991). By seeing multiple representations of the same phenomenon learners develop the mental scaffolding necessary for considering novel applications within the knowledge domain. Example. Spiro, R. J., Feltovich, P. J., Jacobson, M. J., & Coulson, R. L. (1992). A synthesized research definition of cognitive flexibility is a switch in thinking, whether that is specifically based on a switch in rules or broadly based on a need to switch one's previous beliefs or thoughts to new situations. ), Constructivism and the technology of instruction: A conversation (pp. Learn more in: Examining the Effectiveness of … Cognitive flexibility is the ability to revise your plans in the face of obstacles, setbacks, new information, or mistakes. Cognitive Flexibility Theory (R. Spiro, P. Feltovitch & R. Coulson) TUPAZ CRIZEL MAE S. BSED1 Cognitive Flexibility Theory OVERVIEW Cognitive flexibility theory focuses on the nature of learning in complex and ill-structured domains. In other words, learners must be flexible in their understanding of a topic to apply important concepts.”, “In summary: Ill-structured aspects of knowledge pose problems for advanced knowledge acquisition that are remedied by the principles of Cognitive Flexibility Theory. Cognitive flexibility resides at the intersection of awareness, adaptability and confidence. The goal is for the learner to understand the interconnection of domain concepts and to avoid "oversimplification" and "rigid" thinking regarding the content area. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawerence Erlbaum Associates. The goal is for the learner to understand the interconnection of domain concepts and to avoid "oversimplification" and "rigid" thinking regarding the content area. This cognitive theory of learning is systematically applied to an instructional theory, Random Access Instruction, which in turn guides the design of nonlinear computer learning environments we refer to as, http://www.ipfw.edu/as/tohe/2001/Papers/graddy/graddy.htm, http://edutechwiki.unige.ch/mediawiki/index.php?title=Cognitive_flexibility_theory&oldid=21967.