Cognitive Flexibility Theory

Assumptions/Core arguments of CFT

• Learning is creating mental models of concepts
• Learners tend to over simplify/make simplistic explanations - Training should help AVOID that.
• Simplistic explanations tend to preserve itself through Knowledge Shields
• Ability to flexibly apply learned knowledge to cases within the same domain is advanced learning.

These assumptions lead us to these conclusions...

• A simple to complex idea introduction will not enable advanced learning.
• Advanced learning happens only if learners understand the inter-connectedness of multiple cases and concepts across multiple dimensions.