Phases of Meaningful Learning

TLDR

Research indicates that in complex, meaningful learning, learners progress through systematic stages during which the learning process and influencing variables change. The study reviews phase theories in simpler and meaningful learning after addressing conceptual and methodological issues. The authors discuss phase theories and delineate the initial, intermediate, and terminal phases of learning. During the initial phase, learners acquire isolated facts integrated into existing schemata, then gradually assemble these into new schemata, gaining conceptual power and eventually achieving automaticity.

Abstract

The research literature is examined for evidence suggesting that in complex, meaningful learning the learner passes through a series of stages or phases during which the learning process and the variables influencing it change systematically. After discussing various conceptual and methodological issues, phase theories in both simpler and more meaningful forms of learning are reviewed. Finally, the initial, intermediate, and terminal phases of learning are discussed. It is suggested that during the initial phase of learning the individual typically acquires isolated facts that are interpreted in terms of preexisting schemata and added to existing knowledge structures. Gradually, the learner begins to assemble these pieces into new schemata that provide him or her with more conceptual power until a level of automaticity is achieved.