learning_theories:assimilation_theory
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learning_theories:assimilation_theory [2011/05/05 09:34] jpetrovic [What is the practical meaning of assimilation theory?] |
learning_theories:assimilation_theory [2011/05/05 09:41] jpetrovic [What is assimilation theory?] |
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| * **Meaningful learning** is learning that is well **anchored and integrated** in the cognitive structure. It occurs when learner can find meaning in the information presented. Meaningful learning won't occur unless the new ideas are presented in a clear way that enables their relating with other ideas, unless the learner already possesses those other ideas he can relate the new ones with and unless the learner actually makes an attempt to do so. If those conditions are satisfied, new ideas will remain anchored in his knowledge and if not, learning will be rote. | * **Meaningful learning** is learning that is well **anchored and integrated** in the cognitive structure. It occurs when learner can find meaning in the information presented. Meaningful learning won't occur unless the new ideas are presented in a clear way that enables their relating with other ideas, unless the learner already possesses those other ideas he can relate the new ones with and unless the learner actually makes an attempt to do so. If those conditions are satisfied, new ideas will remain anchored in his knowledge and if not, learning will be rote. | ||
| - | * **Rote learning** on the other hand represents knowledge that **remains** unrelated and **unanchored to existing concepts** and is therefore easily forgotten. | + | * **Rote learning** on the other hand represents knowledge that **remains unrelated** and unanchored to existing concepts and is therefore easily forgotten. |
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| + | Defined concept of meaningful learning leads to another key aspect of Ausubel's theory: prior knowledge. Since relating old and new knowledge is crucial for meaningful learning, prior knowledge or the existing ideas are the key enabler or restraint of what can be learned next. | ||
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| + | * "//If I had to reduce all of educational psychology to just one principle, I would say this: The most important single factor influencing learning is what the learner already knows. Ascertain this and teach him accordingly.//"((Ausubel, David P. Educational Psychology: A cognitive view. London: Holt, Reinhart, & Winston, 1968. p. 18.)) | ||
| As a result of a successful meaningful learning, the **new idea** will remain **anchored** to a so called **subsumer**. That of course doesn't mean that the learned idea can't be forgotten: this process, referred to as //obliterative subsumption//, happens as more specific idea becomes less and less distinctive from its subsumer until it is finally said to be forgotten. | As a result of a successful meaningful learning, the **new idea** will remain **anchored** to a so called **subsumer**. That of course doesn't mean that the learned idea can't be forgotten: this process, referred to as //obliterative subsumption//, happens as more specific idea becomes less and less distinctive from its subsumer until it is finally said to be forgotten. | ||
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| ===== What is the practical meaning of assimilation theory? ===== | ===== What is the practical meaning of assimilation theory? ===== | ||
| - | Meaningful learning suggested by Ausubel's assimilation theory presents a valuable concept for educational process, in which **rote learning** examples can today be found more frequently. Foreign language learning often requires learning by heart numerous exceptions or grammatical structures (like German strong verbs). This rote learning would be easier and longer lasting in case of connecting new material with already learned language concepts. Link to known concepts (like a sentence with newly learned verb or a story composed of them) should be suggested by teachers but is often not easy to find so it remains ignored. | + | Meaningful learning suggested by Ausubel's assimilation theory presents a valuable concept for educational process, in which rote learning examples can today be found more frequently. Foreign language learning often requires learning by heart numerous exceptions or grammatical structures (like German strong verbs). This rote learning would be easier and longer lasting in case of connecting new material with already learned language concepts. Link to known concepts (like a sentence with newly learned verb or a story composed of them) should be suggested by teachers but is often not easy to find so it remains ignored. |
| The concept of meaningful learning in context of Ausubel's theory has a few important implications for the instructional process: | The concept of meaningful learning in context of Ausubel's theory has a few important implications for the instructional process: | ||
learning_theories/assimilation_theory.txt · Last modified: 2023/06/19 18:03 (external edit)
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