[LINK] Meaningful Learning [was Concept Model of IA Terms]

[Bernard Robertson-Dunn]

Eric Scheid wrote:

> On 9/6/07 11:32 PM, "Chris Pallé" <chris.palle at blueflameinteractive.com>
> wrote:
> 
> 
>>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concept_map

This topic seems to have a context of User Interface design, however 
(potentially highjacking the intended thread) following up the wiki link 
I came across this:

<quote>
Novak's work is based on the theories of David Ausubel (assimilation 
theory), who stressed the importance of prior knowledge in being able to 
learn new concepts.

     "The most important single factor influencing learning is what the
	learner already knows. Ascertain this and teach accordingly."[3]

In his book Learning to Learn, Novak states that "meaningful learning 
involves the assimilation of new concepts and propositions into existing 
cognitive structures."

</quote>

Which I thought was a very useful set of statements.

It got me thinking about the current trend to treat teaching/learning as 
a set of discrete units which students get marks or grades for. The sum 
of the grades being an indication of educational achievement, with a 
particular total being a requirement for a qualification.

This contrasts with my educational experience (in the UK in the 1960s 
and early 70s) where my learing was guided by people who understood the 
need for an ordered assimilation of "new concepts and propositions".

The idea that students can direct their own learing, to me, is a 
fallacy. How can someone who doesn't know a subject decide what they 
need to learn?

I am very suspicious of the "cut and paste" style of assignment teaching 
- to me there is a large difference between knowing and understanding. I 
wonder at how today's students develop an understanding of a subject, 
rather than where to go to get data.

I didn't learn as much from books as I did from the people who taught 
me. Teachers don't seem to be as much a part of the modern education 
system as they were.

Or have I become a grumpy old man?

-- 

Regards
brd

Bernard Robertson-Dunn
Sydney Australia
brd at iimetro.com.au