Ausubel's Assimilation Learning Theory: Theoretical Basis for Concept Maps and E-Maps

David Ausubel is an American born cognitive psychologist who

first introduced his Assimilation Learning Theory in 1962.

His theory primarily explains cognitive learningDefines effective learning as a process in which

learners comprehend the structure of knowledge and consciously make new structures fit with the existing organization of concepts in the brain.

Refers to this process where new ideas or concepts are linked with previously acquired knowledge as meaningful learning.

Meaningful vs. Rote Learning According to Ausubel:-"the most important single factor influencing learning is what the learner already knows" -Relationships between concepts are formed when two concepts overlap on some level. -As learning progresses, this network of concepts and relationships becomes increasingly complex.

-Example : -A student simply memorizes information without relating that information to previously learned knowledge. -As a result, new information is easily forgotten and not readily applied to problem-solving situations because it was not connected with concepts already learned.

Three basic requirements for meaningful learningA learner’s relevant prior knowledge,

meaningful material (often selected by the teacher) and learner choice (to use meaningful learning instead of rote learning).

An important advantage of meaningful learning is that it can be applied in a wide variety of new problems or contexts.

This power of transferability is necessary for creative thinking

Concept maps

E-maps

Hands-on Activity (Science year 2 syllabus)Non-living Things

Non Living Things

Cupboard

Chairs

Building

Car

Door

Table

Characteristics of living things

• Hibiscus flower

• Bouganville

• Chicken• Dog

• Caterpillar

• Fish

• Bird• Cat

They breath

e

They can

move

They grow

They can

produce

young.