Meaningful learning is higher order thinking and understanding built through intellectual engagement that uses pattern recognition and concept association, including critical and creative thinking, inquiry, problem solving, critical discourse and metacognitive skill. In this account, learned information is fully understood and can be used to make connections with other previously known knowledge, and because that knowledge is stored as a network of connections it can be accessed from multiple starting points depending on the context of recall. Meaningful learning is usually contrasted with rote learning, in which information is memorized with little understanding or connection to other knowledge, and the concept is most closely associated with David Ausubel's 1967 work.
Facts
Core ClaimMeaningful learning is higher order learning in which new information is deliberately connected to a learner's existing knowledge through pattern recognition and concept association, producing durable, integrated understanding rather than the disconnected memorization typical of rote learning. 1 Origin YearAusubel's 1967 definition is the article's earliest attributed formulation of the concept; no separate coining year is stated. FAQs
Why does meaningful learning matter for later learning?
It may trigger further learning because relating a concept to a real-world situation can encourage the learner.
Meaningful learning is described as likely to support further learning. When a learner can relate a concept to a real-world situation, that connection may be encouraging to the learner, and the use of meaningful learning may trigger further learning. This is one reason it is contrasted with rote learning, where information is memorized without being related to other knowledge.
Connections
Associated With
Source David Ausubel (Wikipedia)
Developed By
Source Meaningful learning (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Meaningful learning (Wikipedia)
WikipediaOpening paragraph, first sentence
Meaningful learning refers to the act of higher order thinking and development through intellectual engagement that uses pattern recognition and concept association.
Nature of meaningful learning section
Ausubel (1967:10) focused on meaningful learning as "a clearly articulated and precisely differentiated conscious experience that emerges when potentially meaningful signs, symbols, concepts, or propositions are related to and incorporated within a given individual's cognitive structure"
Lead paragraph, education-level
Meaningful learning refers to the act of higher order thinking and development through intellectual engagement that uses pattern recognition and concept association.
Developed By: David Ausubel, Article text
Ausubel (1967:10) focused on meaningful learning as "a clearly articulated and precisely differentiated conscious experience that emerges when potentially meaningful signs, symbols, concepts, or propositions are related to and incorporated within a given individual's cognitive structure" (Takač 2008, p.
View the Source David Ausubel (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationAssociated With: Advance Organizer, Influences sectionQuote, Associated With: Advance Organizer, Influences section
Through his belief of meaningful learning, Ausubel developed his theory of advance organizers.
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