DEFINITION OF COGNITIVISM

    According to Mergel (1998) cognitivism is a cognitivist theory that based on thought process behind the behavior. It means that the theory occurs inside the learners mind consciously. Moreover, it focuses on how people think, how people understand, and how people know (asiaeuniversity, 2012:107).How people think is the theory stresses in how our ways of thinking will impact to the  behavior. How people understand is the theory shows the people’s understanding related to outside world. How people know is the theory shows how the people know phenomenon outside the world. Of course, it derives from the process thatrt happens in human mind.

     An individual ‘s cognition plays a significant and primary role in the development and maintenance of emotional and behavioural responses to life situation (Prendes & Resko). In other words, cognitivist theory as the study of mental process could impact or influence  the individual’s emotion and behavioural responses because it is a process in determining on how person thinks, understands, and knows.

The importance of language skills

Language is absolutely central to your learning: without it, you cannot make sense or communicate your understanding of a subject.

You will need to develop your language skills, and specifically, your academic English, in order to:

• understand and make the most effective use of your study materials
• develop the specialised language and vocabulary relevant to your subject
• interpret assignment questions and select relevant and appropriate material for your response
• write well-structured and coherently presented assignments, without plagiarism
• communicate your needs to your tutors
• work productively with other students.

Depending on the level of OU study you are engaged in, click on the tab to see the skills you are expected to develop as you learn. A good command of English is vital to many of these skills.