Willingham's Learning Theory and Cognitive Development

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to Willingham's learning theory and cognitive development, important for understanding how factual knowledge, memory, and practice contribute to learning.

Working Memory

A mental system that has different parts for processing incoming sensory information, including visual and auditory data, and involves decision-making.

Factual Knowledge

Knowledge of facts that must come before skills can be developed; it is essential for problem-solving and reasoning.

Short-term Memory

The initial, temporary, and limited memory store where information is held before it is transferred to long-term memory.

Long-term Memory

A memory store that can hold potentially limitless amounts of information for an extended period, potentially a lifetime.

Rehearsal

The practice of repeating information over and over to help encode it into long-term memory.

Motor Skills

Actions that involve muscle movements and brain processes, resulting in physical movement.

Cognitive Development

The process of growth and change in intellectual capabilities that influence a person's behavior.

Practice and Effort

The essential components highlighted by Willingham that enable mastery of knowledge and skills.

Automatic Processing

A type of processing that occurs when tasks become habitual and require little cognitive effort or working memory.

Problem-solving

A cognitive skill that involves identifying and resolving issues, requiring the use of working memory.