Cognitive and pedagogical foundations of active learning

Abstract

For more than half a century, a set of theories have postulated the advantages of active learning, and the implications of this approach for pedagogy, however, not enough information was found to address this issue comprehensively from its different investigative perspectives. The article aims to expose the most recognized cognitive and pedagogical theories on the concept of active learning, as well as their practical application based on the positive effect they have on the acquisition of knowledge, with significant advantages in relation to traditional forms of learning. teaching. From the application of different theoretical methods such as historical logic, documentary analysis, analysis and synthesis and the structural systemic method, the description of the classic ideas of Dewey, Montessori, Piaget and Vygotsky was obtained as a result. Also addressing the pedagogical theories of active learning: learning by discovery, learning through experience, learning by inquiry and self-regulated learning; and also the most recent cognitive approaches to active learning. The investigative analysis showed that the theories studied show the positive effect that active learning has on the acquisition of knowledge, as well as its advantages in relation to traditional forms of teaching. Consensus is reached that active learning implies high levels of reasoning and motivation, from which it follows that its impacts could be greater at higher levels of instruction.