Wittrock's Generative Learning Theory

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Generative Learning Generative learning is part of the cognitive view of learning and was developed by Merlin C. Wittrock. The concept of generative learning consists of creating meaning by structuring and organizing ideas in a way that an individual can retain the presented information. Wittrock states that in order for an individual to experience good reading (retaining information) is through “building relations among the parts of the text and between the text and what we know, believe, and experience.” (Wittrock, 347). The importance of relating reading and writing to personal experiences is that it allows a person to retain the information at a much greater rate. A key concept brought forward in the generative learning theory is that every …show more content…

An interesting discovery by Wittrock was that motivation by a teacher is only helpful when a child can link their comprehension of a new concept to their own efforts. The added praising following a student’s understanding of a new concept creates a continues interest in learning (Wittrock, 349). If a teacher does the opposite of this study and praises a child for times when they fail to fully grasp a concept but instead just repeat information they do not fully understand the child will be less likely to have future meaning-based learning. The issues brought forward regarding motivation and the generative learning theory highlight the importance of a teacher to regularly check that students are truly comprehending the information presented in class prior to giving them praise. Some great strategies to teat comprehension include asking the student to elaborate on the topic or give a unique personal created example for the …show more content…

An interesting discovery from this view of learning is that the mind is not just a sponge able to soak up every bit of information it is presented with. The generative learning theory allows one to realize the importance of creating meaningful learning opportunities in the classroom. If a teacher can allow students to be hands-on in the class a large amount of the time and the ability to create their own meaningful solutions to concepts presented in class, they will experience success in the classroom. A student needs to be able to make a unique personal link to the information they are present and themselves for adequate learning to occur in their mind. As a result, the teacher plays a key role in presenting students with different methods and opportunities for generation and improved comprehension of topics they may struggle with throughout their educational career or in any learning environment they may be presented with in