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learning_theories:assimilation_theory [2011/02/25 10:18] jpetrovic [What is assimilation theory?] |
learning_theories:assimilation_theory [2011/02/25 10:28] jpetrovic [What is assimilation theory?] |
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===== What is assimilation theory? ===== | ===== What is assimilation theory? ===== | ||
- | 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**, the central term in his theory, 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 and is the key aspect to learning. If 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. |