Instruction

This is a dual process involving teacher and student in the transmitting and acquiring of knowledge. Humanity's experience is transmitted and personal qualities and cognitive abilities developed in the student. Different methods of instruction emphasize theoretical learning applied in practice, or practical training from which theoretical understanding may be developed. The use of instruction simply to train in a particular skill reduces instruction to the level of animal-type training, whereas [cognitive theory]

regards learning as the formation of cognitive structures, a strictly human activity. Although the nature of instruction and degree of student participation may vary, the assimilation of knowledge is considered to be the result of the students own cognitive activity.