Final answer:
According to the cognitive theory of learning, the best evidence of students' learning is their ability to apply learned material in new settings, demonstrating deep understanding and meaningful processing of the information.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the cognitive theory of learning, the most valid evidence that students have learned a body of information is that they can apply what they have learned in a new setting (C). This application demonstrates that the student has not only memorized the information but has also understood it to the extent that they can transfer this knowledge to different contexts, which is a higher order cognitive skill. The cognitive theory emphasizes the roles of meaningfulness, understanding, and the active mental processes of the learner.
For example, memory techniques such as using elaborative rehearsal, applying the self-reference effect, and engaging in distributed practice can help deepen the processing of information, making it more likely to be remembered and applied later. Additionally, structured rehearsal and connecting new concepts to existing knowledge can lead to more significant learning experiences. Thus, students demonstrate learning most effectively when they can utilize and adapt their acquired knowledge to solve novel problems or make informed decisions in different circumstances.