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learning_theories:assimilation_theory [2011/02/08 14:30]
jpetrovic created
learning_theories:assimilation_theory [2011/02/25 10:17]
jpetrovic [What is assimilation theory?]
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-Assimilation theory is one of the [[cognitivism|cognitivist learning theories]] developed by an American educational psychologist [[http://​www.davidausubel.org/​|David ​ Ausubel]] during 1960s. According to Ausubel, ​**learner'​s cognitive structure ​is central to learning**. Cognitive structure is, in his own words "​hierarchically organized in terms of **highly inclusive concepts under which are subsumed less inclusive subconcepts and informational data**". Learning, according to Ausubel'​s theory, occurs through **development of new cognitive structures** that will hold newly acquired information. ​+Assimilation theory is one of the [[learning_paradigms:​cognitivism#​learning_theories|cognitivist learning theories]] developed by an American educational psychologist [[http://​www.davidausubel.org/​|David ​ Ausubel]] during 1960s. According to Ausubel, learner'​s cognitive structure ​and its development are central to learning. Cognitive structure is, in his own words "​hierarchically organized in terms of **highly inclusive concepts** under which are **subsumed less inclusive subconcepts** and informational data". Learning, according to Ausubel'​s theory, occurs through **development** of **new cognitive structures** that will hold newly acquired information. ​
  
  
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-Ausubel defines cognitive structure as "​individual'​s organization,​ stability, and clarity of knowledge in a particular subject matter field at any given time". The **cognitive structure**,​ if well organized, **enables faster learning in terms of adding new ideas** and structures to it. If it is unorganized or **badly connected**, the **acquisition of new information will be more difficult**.+Ausubel defines cognitive structure as "​individual'​s organization,​ stability, and clarity of knowledge in a particular subject matter field at any given time". The **cognitive structure**,​ if well organized, **enables faster learning** in terms of adding new ideas and structures to it. If it is unorganized or badly connected, the acquisition of new information will be more difficult.
  
 **Knowledge** is in assimilation theory organized hierarchically in a **pyramidal shape** where more **general ideas** and concepts appear **at the top** of the pyramid and get more and **more specific to the bottom** of it. **New knowledge is assimilated** in this hierarchy by **anchoring to already existing** more general concepts. The closer to the top of the pyramid an idea is, the more general it is and the longer is its life time. **Knowledge** is in assimilation theory organized hierarchically in a **pyramidal shape** where more **general ideas** and concepts appear **at the top** of the pyramid and get more and **more specific to the bottom** of it. **New knowledge is assimilated** in this hierarchy by **anchoring to already existing** more general concepts. The closer to the top of the pyramid an idea is, the more general it is and the longer is its life time.
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 Another important and rather controversial part of Ausubel'​s theory are //​organizers//:​ **abstract ideas on a higher level than the content that will be presented for learning**, purpose of which is to **help replace the missing concepts** necessary for successful acquisition of new information. **Organizers** should be of greater help to students with less organized cognitive structures, since organized cognitive structures already possess quality anchoring ideas. Critics of Ausubel'​s theory often reflect the fact that he doesn'​t describe construction of organizers so different researches provide different results of their efficiency. Another important and rather controversial part of Ausubel'​s theory are //​organizers//:​ **abstract ideas on a higher level than the content that will be presented for learning**, purpose of which is to **help replace the missing concepts** necessary for successful acquisition of new information. **Organizers** should be of greater help to students with less organized cognitive structures, since organized cognitive structures already possess quality anchoring ideas. Critics of Ausubel'​s theory often reflect the fact that he doesn'​t describe construction of organizers so different researches provide different results of their efficiency.
  
-A visual representation of Ausubels theory can be found [[http://​cmapspublic2.ihmc.us/​rid=1094487285248_442176581_5443/​Ausubel%27s%20theory.cmap|here]].+[[http://​cmapspublic2.ihmc.us/​rid=1094487285248_442176581_5443/​Ausubel%27s%20theory.cmap|{{ images:​ausubel.jpg?​620x350 | A visual representation of Ausubels theory. Image borrowed from: http://​cmapspublic2.ihmc.us/​... Click on the picture to follow the link. }}]]
  
 ===== What is the practical meaning of assimilation theory? ===== ===== What is the practical meaning of assimilation theory? =====
learning_theories/assimilation_theory.txt ยท Last modified: 2023/06/19 18:03 (external edit)