Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Assessment of Professional Knowledge Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes the Cognitive Approach?

1. Objective learning outcomes

2. Insight development through subjective experiences

3. Passive absorption of information

4. Memorization of facts

The correct answer is: Insight development through subjective experiences

The Cognitive Approach in education emphasizes the development of understanding and insight through the learner's subjective experiences and mental processes. This perspective holds that knowledge is not just acquired passively; instead, it involves active engagement with the material, where learners build and reconstruct their knowledge based on their thoughts and experiences. This approach focuses on how people think, perceive, remember, and learn, suggesting that understanding is constructed through a process of reflection and connection to prior knowledge. Insight development occurs as learners analyze and synthesize information, leading to deeper comprehension and the ability to apply knowledge in varied contexts. The other options do not align with the principles of the Cognitive Approach. While objective learning outcomes emphasize clear, measurable goals typically associated with behavioral approaches, and memorization focuses on rote learning rather than comprehension, passive absorption implies a lack of active engagement, which is contrary to the active involvement underscored in the Cognitive Approach.