Which approach views learning as an active mental process of acquiring, remembering, and using knowledge?

The cognitive view of learning is centered around understanding how the mind processes information. It emphasizes that learning is an active process where individuals not only receive knowledge but also engage with it cognitively—through processes such as thinking, remembering, and problem-solving. This perspective highlights the internal activities of the mind, such as mental representation and information processing, which are crucial for acquiring new knowledge and skills.

In this view, students are seen as active participants in their own learning, actively working to make sense of the information presented to them rather than simply responding to external stimuli. This approach aligns well with educational practices that encourage critical thinking and active engagement with material, which supports deeper learning and understanding.

While the behavioral view of learning focuses on observable behaviors and the responses to external stimuli, and social learning theory emphasizes learning through observation and social interactions, the cognitive view distinctly places the emphasis on the mental processes that govern learning. Constructivist theory also aligns with active engagement in learning but frames it more around learners constructing their own knowledge through experiences, thereby intersecting with but not entirely defining cognitive processes.