Embodied Cognition in Learning
Embodied Cognition in Learning
Embodied cognition is a concept that proposes that the cognitive processes of the brain are strongly tied to its embodiment in the environment. The viewpoint emphasizes the importance of the sensory and the kinetic as factors that determine our thoughts, learning, and understanding, which means that a great deal of what we learn is acquired through the interaction of the mind, body, and environment.
How does embodied cognition influence learning strategies?
Embodied cognition is a theory which advocates that learning is greatly improved when we involve physically with the materials. For instance, using gestures in the process of explaining a certain concept can reinforce the understanding, as the brain associates these physical actions with the verbal information. This hands-on method is especially beneficial for subjects like mathematics when moving objects can actually explain abstract ideas.
What role does the environment play in embodied cognition?
The environment plays a major role in embodied cognition by providing contextual cues that affect learning. For example, a natural setting like a garden can improve memory retention and understanding of ecological concepts than a typical classroom can, while learning of these concepts from a garden is the most effective example of this type of learning. This kind of learning that is dependent on the context highlights the importance of the practical application of knowledge in the real world.
Can embodied cognition be applied in digital learning environments?
Certainly, the application of embodied cognition inside the digital learning world is to learn through interactive and immersive experiences. Virtual reality (VR) simulations that learners use to apply physical engagement with the content to learn have the workings of making the abstract ideas much real. For instance, a VR program that represents chemical reactions makes it possible for students to touch the virtual substances which in turn makes their corporal understanding to be enforced.
What are some practical examples of embodied cognition in education?
A specific instance of embodied cognition in education is role-playing as a method of teaching about memory events in a historical context. Another example is the integration of physical activity in the math lesson through relays where students first solve problems, and then, they run to the next station, which is totally different from the previous one. Their both bodies and minds are activated; as a result, they learn and keep the new knowledge better through the embodiment of the learned material by movement and participation.