Cognitive Science and Theological Education in Technologically Developing Countries

Cognitive science is the interdisciplinary study of human thoughts, feelings, and the associated processes, including learning. In the past 50 years, tremendous progress has been made in understanding how people learn. These principles can be used to make theological education more effective in the majority world. Missionaries and other educators can make theological education more effective by being familiar with the concepts of automatic and effortful processing, the spacing effect, and the testing effect. Since the use of technology is rapidly evolving in many parts of the world, cognitive science also provides insights into some of the educational pitfalls associated with technology. Technology-based distraction in the classroom prevents effortful processing from occurring. Outside of the classroom, technology may make time-management more difficult, leading to poor study habits. An inappropriate use of multimedia in the classroom may impede learning rather than enhance it. Increasing use of technology in the majority world is often accompanied by economic growth which may also impact theological education.