Theory of Ausubel
According to Ausubel's Subsumption Theory, a learner
absorbs new information by tying it to existing
concepts and ideas that they have already acquired. ...
Based upon this theory, meaningful learning can only
occur once the subsumed cognitive structures have
been fully developed.
SubtopicIn sum, Ausubel's theory suggests that if a learner is to acquire
new concepts from verbal material he must have an existing cognitive
structure upon which new concepts can be subsumed or anchored. If
the requisite cognitive structure is not available it can be provided with
an advance organizer.
SubtopicCorrelative Subsumption
SubtopicThe new material is an extension of the already grasped
knowledge.
SubtopicLearners should be presented with the most
general concepts first, and then their analysis.
Main topicAmerican psychologist David Ausubel Main topicmajor instructional tool proposed by Ausubel
introduced his “meaningful learning theory” in
Educational Psychology: A Cognitive View (1968). He
argued that there is a hierarchical organization of
knowledge and that new information can be
incorporated into the already existing hierarchy.
SubtopicConcept map , developed by Ausubel and Novac, is an
instructional device that uses this aspect of the theory to allow
instruction of material to learners; it is a way of representing
The Subsumption Learning Theory was developed in 1963 by the relationships between ideas, images, or words.
American psychologist David Ausubel. The theory focuses on how
individuals acquire and learn large chunks of information through visual
means or text materials.
The Quintessential of Subsumption Theory
SubtopicAs opposed to many other instructional theories, which are
psychology-based models applied to instructional design, the
Subsumption Theory was originally developed exclusively for
instructional design. It prescribes a way of creating instructional
material that helps learners organize their content in order to make it
meaningful for transfer. The goal here is for learners to have the
necessary background that will help them solve any problem and also
retain this knowledge.
SubtopicDerivative Subsumption
SubtopicThe new material derives from the existing structure, and can
be linked to other concepts or lead to new interpretations.
Key Principles of Subsumption Theory
SubtopicThe instructional materials should include SubtopicExisting cognitive structures should not be
new, as well as previously acquired information. developed, but merely reorganized within the learners’
Comparisons between new and old concepts are memory.
crucial.
SubtopicThe role of the instructor is to bridge the gap
between what’s already known and what is about to be
learned.