Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) Practice Exam

According to the cognitive approach, which method of learning best encourages retention?

1. Encouraging rote memorization

2. Presenting the procedure logically

3. Group discussions

4. Practical demonstrations

The correct answer is: Presenting the procedure logically

The cognitive approach emphasizes the importance of understanding and organizing information to enhance retention. Presenting information in a logical sequence helps learners to build connections between concepts, making it easier for them to process and retrieve the information later. This method aligns with cognitive theories that advocate for meaningful learning, which occurs when learners can relate new knowledge to what they already know, thus facilitating better memory retention. Rote memorization may lead to short-term recall but usually does not help with long-term retention as the learner might struggle to understand the material deeply. Group discussions can provide social interaction but may not always ensure that information is internalized in a structured way. Practical demonstrations can reinforce learning through experience, yet if the underlying concepts are not clearly articulated, students may find it challenging to retain the information in a coherent manner. By presenting procedures logically, learners can create mental frameworks that serve as aids for remembering and applying knowledge in the future. This method fosters a deeper understanding of the material, making it the most effective choice for encouraging retention in the cognitive learning context.