1. What is meaningful learning (Integrating book, p.
51)?
“According to Ausubel (1963), meaningful
learning occurs when new experiences are related to what a learner already
knows. It can be contrasted with rote learning, which Ausubel describes as the
learning of a sequence of words with little attention to meaning, as in simple
memorization. In both cases learners are processing information, but their
mental activities are quite different. Meaningful learning assumes that: 1)
Students already have some knowledge that is relevant to their new learning. 2)
Students are willing to do the mental work required to find connections with
what they already know. “
2. How can technology be useful in this endeavor,
whether business/training, workshops, K-12 or higher education? Please give 2-3 examples. (See Emma Winder's
class discussion, 6th grade teacher in Aukland, NZ, 2012; Ausubel's Meaningful
Learning Versus Rote Learning).
Meaningful learning as described in the “Integrating Technology for Meaningful Learning,” book is very similar to the Constructivism cognitive theory of learning in that prior knowledge is used to understand knew knowledge. My own definition for “meaningful learning” would be: motivated knowledge acquisition processed into long-term memory, capable of being utilized in novel applications.
ReplyDeleteBrent,
ReplyDeleteMeaningful learning is captivating for both the teacher and the student. For the student because they can relate to the assignment, they know how they will use it in the future and students can apply content to future setting. For the instructor is awesome because we are able to see positive results with the students being more involved and wanting to learn.
I totally agree. I'm a big proponent in what I like to call the trifecta for successful learning: Motivation, Engagement, and Fun. If the educational situation has all three in some way then I believe it will result in Meaningful Learning.
DeleteOn a similar note, a somewhat recent approach to try and enhance education is through the use of R. Muir's Meaningful Engaged Learning (MEL) approach. It has 5 components: 1)Inviting Schools, 2) Learning by Doing, 3) Higher Order Thinking, 4)Student Voice & Choice, and 5) Real World Connections. Additionally its 9 elements are derivations of: environment, experience, motivation, and meaning from connections. SOURCE: http://www.mcmel.org/motivation
DeleteGoing even further into the definition of meaningful learning and taking it to new levels, we should also include another newer theory of learning, Connectivism. This theory by George Siemens (2004), states that "learning also can occur outside of a n individual and that technology can be used to store knowledge and manipulate learning... connectivist learning takes place at the community level, where the individual is a key element." - SOURCE: "The New Digital Shoreline, by Roger McHaney. This is a very important theory to incorporate and understand in that it deals specifically with the application of web 2.0 technology in how we learn, understand and apply new knowledge
DeleteBrent,
ReplyDeleteThe opportunity to introduce content in a different format with technology opens the door to creativity. Integration of Technology along with meaningful learning is a powerful combination. Enhancing what a student already knows with the use of a video to introduce an assignment brings the student closer to understanding a concept. Blogging about a chapter a student has read might help the student develop and organize his or her thoughts making progress to eventually come to a conclusion. Giving students an understanding as to why and how they will use material is essential to their understanding and learning process.
Yes, I see what you mean. Blogging for reflection and video to help explain concepts would definitely be two great examples of how technology could be used to help maximize meaningful learning. I could also see using educational games as a way to master the material presented and then using video as a project tool, having students come up with and create videos that help explain the topic in novel ways (application of mastered learning in new paradigms).
DeleteWhat I like about technology is how we sometimes can be the facilitator and our students are amazing and take on the roles of leaders and educators among their peers. According to Grabe, technology serves as a means of presenting information to students themselves use in manipulating information.(Grabe p73)
ReplyDeleteI fully agree. A great use of technology is in being able to easily move roles around and allow students an opportunity to try different things. We can create different levels of safety so that students are free to fail, learn from them and then try again in a different way.
DeleteBrent,
ReplyDeleteYou touched on a subject that I had commented on previously Games. I will try to incorporate a game onto my class, perhaps begin a game and let them complete the game. That is a thought. That would be meaningful learning and definitely they would have ownership!!!
Oh yes, that sounds awesome. The ownership of the game would fall into both the engagement and motivation. What type of game? How are you making it, having them make it? What software? Details please!
DeleteAccording to Grabe & Grabe (2006) Episodic memories are rich in detail, much of which may be of no great significance. They can also be related to a particular time and place. In fact, we often use time and place to help us recall the details of a specific event we have experienced. For example, during a quiz, a student may attempt to recall last Thursday's lecture to locate information relevant to a particular question.(p.42)
ReplyDeleteTechnology is not only useful but an integral part of students lives. According to Richardson, students have grown up immersed in technology.(p.7) Integration of technology facilitates on different learning styles for each student. Students with different learning styles benefit from different types of educational instruction. For example, the assignment “What is meaningful learning?” could have used some assistance from technology. Imagine if the teacher would have shown a similar video or graphic that came close to the learning experience and continued her assignment from there? Some of those students might experience an episodic memory and remember in detail why that experience was meaningful and so on…. This would have stirred some good memories making for richer discussion for students.
ReplyDelete