User:Jennametzger/sandbox

The concept or theory of meaningful learning is that learned information is completely understood and can now be used to make connections with other previously known knowledge, aiding in further understanding. It is often contrasted with rote learning, a method in which you just memorize information, but do not understand it or know how to relate it. Memorizing flashcards is an example of rote learning. Coming up with your own examples of concepts is an example of meaningful learning. Relating what you learned to something in your own life not only makes the topic more interesting, encouraging further research and learning, but it also makes it easier to remember. Meaningful learning encourages the learner to understand the information presented and will help them to come up with active learning techniques to aid their understanding. Meaningful learning takes longer than rote memorization, but the information is typically retained longer this way. In addition, meaningful learning can incorporate many different techniques, such as concept mapping, hands-on tasks, and more. Some techniques may be more helpful than others depending on the learner.

Spread of Activation
If meaningful learning is occurring, then the learner is fully engaged, and the brain can then organize the information based on what it relates to; this creates the associations that help us learn more and understand better by making connections. This also means that these facts will be remembered together, instead of individually. Remember one of the facts will prime you to remember the others. This has been termed spread of activation. Learners who are able to use this method of learning, as opposed to rote learning, are able to solve problems easier due to their capacity to apply their knowledge.

The Internet has been a major factor in meaningful learning. Web 2.0 technologies, such as Wikipedia, blogs, and Youtube, have made learning easier and more accessible for students (Hamdan et al. 2015). Students are able to develop their interests with free and easy access to these online tools, and therefore are able to learn the material meaningfully. Interest development is one of the goals of meaningful learning, as students who are interested generally learn more effectively (Heddy et al. 2006).

Within the cognitive theory of learning, based on the theory of human information processing, the 3 core processes of learning are: how knowledge is developed; how new knowledge is integrated into an existing cognitive system; and how knowledge becomes automatic.

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".