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 as ADVANCE ORGANISERS

Meaningful learning is 1.Well organised relevant knowledge structures 2.Emotional commitment to integrate new with existing knowledge. Rote learning is 1.Little or no relevant knowledge 2.No emotional commitment to relate new with existing relevant knowledge. Rote learning Meaningful learning Creativity 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 makes use of learning strategies that make sense to him/her. The learner must choose to learn meaningfully – (motivation) – (emotional commitment) The indirect control over this choice lies primarily in: instructional strategies instructional strategies used and instructional strategies the evaluation strategies the evaluation strategies used the evaluation strategies

instructional Diverse instructional strategies that build on prior knowledge so that it makes sense to the learner. evaluation Different evaluation strategies which encourage learners to relate ideas they possess with new ideas and gives them the opportunity to show what they have learnt.