When people think of learning and education they often think of things such as reading, writing, and math. While these skills are essential, they aren’t the only part of the learning equation. Underlying academic performance is a set of mental abilities known as cognitive skills and these are often the drivers of long-term success in school, work, and everyday life.
What are Academic Skills?
Academic skills are the subject-based abilities taught in traditional school settings. These include skills such as spelling, mathematics, reading, science knowledge, and writing. These skills are measurable through grades, tests, and exams which make them the most visible indicators of academic performance. However, academic skills are the output of learning rather than the process that enables learning to occur.
What are Cognitive Skills?
Cognitive skills are the brain-based abilities that allow us to process information, learn new concepts, solve problems, and apply knowledge effectively. Some of the key cognitive skills that we focus on at LearningRx are attention, memory, processing speed, logic and reasoning, visual and auditory processing, word attack, and executive functioning. These are the skills that operate learning behind the scenes, supporting how well a person can gain and use academic knowledge.
The Relationship Between the Two
A helpful way to understand the difference is to think of academic skills as what you learn and cognitive skills as how you learn. For example, a student may struggle with reading, not because they lack effort, but because of weaknesses in auditory processing, or word attack skills. Strengthening the underlying cognitive skills can make learning more efficient, durable, and less frustrating.
The Role of Cognitive Skills Training
At LearningRx, the focus shifts from teaching academic content to strengthening the brain’s core cognitive abilities. Targeted cognitive training has helped individuals of all ages overcome learning challenges, improve confidence, and unlock their full learning potential.* When cognitive skills are strengthened, learning becomes easier, faster, and more enjoyable.
Conclusion
Overall, academic skills show how someone is performing, but cognitive skills explain why they are performing that way. Understanding the difference is key to addressing learning difficulties at their root. By investing in cognitive skills development, learners can build a stronger foundation, not just for better grades, but for lifelong success.
*Results are from past clients; individual outcomes may vary, but you can read more about our research and results here.