Meaningful learning
Applications
Applications
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Teachers often struggle to promote meaningful learning in the classroom. Ausubel criticized educators for over\-relying on teacher\-centered instruction, as opposed to student\-centered instruction. He argues that students must take responsibility for their learning and actively try to understand the materials presented. Michael (2001\) also condemned teachers’ reluctance to incorporate meaningful learning in the classroom, saying that they are over\-relying on outdated (often rote) teaching techniques rather than using more modern and efficient techniques. There are many scientifically proven ways of fostering meaningful learning in the classroom.

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

### Collaborative discussion

Learning in a group setting can foster meaningful learning. People tend to be more engaged in the learning materials and can take advantage of other students’ knowledge by integrating it with their own. Furthermore, when explaining a concept to another person, the speaker has to present information more coherently for the listener to understand properly. This process helps to organize the information in the speaker’s and listener’s minds. Having another person challenge an idea can also aid in meaningful learning. It can result in a stronger understanding of a subject for both parties – information can either be corrected or enhanced through elucidation.

### Concept maps

Concept maps are a useful way of ordering information and showing relationships between concepts. Mapping out information allows students to see the connections between concepts so that individual ideas seem to be part of a larger whole. Studies also found that when students collaborate when making a concept map, they engage in more meaningful learning than making one individually. The reason for this is because more ideas can be generated at once.

### Use of technology

The Internet and other online technologies 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](/wiki/%23CITEREFHamdan "#CITEREFHamdan")). Students are able to develop their interests with free and easy access to these online tools. Therefore they 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](/wiki/%23CITEREFHeddy "#CITEREFHeddy")). However, internet technologies cannot facilitate meaningful learning on their own. Computers should be treated as a learning support rather than a form of instruction. It is especially important for students to have a sound understanding of an online environment so they can grasp the information being presented. To engage in meaningful learning, students must show a degree of independence and tolerance for uncertainty. In order to support students, they should be given continuous guidance until they understand the task at hand. Online learning environments should be designed to allow for reflection, collaboration, and the contextualization of information.


How do educators measure the effectiveness of meaningful learning?