Cognition in Context

Cognition—the mental processes involved in acquiring knowledge and understanding—is central in learning. But it’s not the whole story. The learning sciences emerged in part as a response to the limitations of fields like cognitive science, which often focused narrowly on internal mental processes while overlooking the broader learning environment. Early learning scientists recognized that learning is shaped not only by what happens in the brain but also by the tools, people, and contexts that surround the learner. Still, theories of cognition remain foundational in the learning sciences because they help us understand the internal mechanisms that make learning possible. By integrating these theories with insights about context and environment, we can design more effective and equitable learning experiences.