Ausubel’s major principle about learning theory: “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,1968: Epigraph).

This is nowadays known asADVANCE ORGANISERS

Meaningful learning is1.Well organised relevant knowledge structures2.Emotional commitment to integrate new with existing knowledge.

Rote learning is1.Little or no relevant knowledge2.No emotional commitment to relate new with existing relevant knowledge.

Rote learning Meaningful learning

Creativity results from high levels of meaningful learningCreativity results from high levels of meaningful learning

Meaningful learning requires 3 conditions:

The material to be learned must be conceptually clear and presented with language and examples relatable to the learner’s prior knowledge.

The learner must possess relevant prior knowledge

The learner must choose to learn meaningfully – (motivation)

The indirect control over this choice lies primarily in:The indirect control over this choice lies primarily in:instructional strategies used andthe evaluation strategies used

CONCEPTCONCEPT MAPSMAPS• Facilitate organisation and representation of

knowledge.• Effective in identifying both valid and invalid ideas

held by learners.• Promotes learner autonomy• Promotes metacognition• Promotes constructivist teaching• Are presented as a personal or collaborative

creation & reflection whilst empowering learners to be actively involved in their own learning.

• Reveal that learning is continuous and never ending

A Mind Map