Neural Model of Learning
CPD: Cognitive Science Level 1, topic 2.1.1
A Neural Model of Learning
Researchers have come up with useful models to explain what we know about memory and learning. This four-stage model was created by Dr. Efrat Furst from Harvard University.
1. Knowing
- Knowing is the ability to recognise something we have encountered before (i.e. the ability to distinguish between new and old information).
- Knowing does not mean that you understand the information at all, just that you remember seeing the information before.
2. Understanding
- Understanding involves connecting the new piece of information to something else you already know.
- Making these connections gives more meaning to the information.
3. Using
- Stage 3 involves using the knowledge that you understand.
- The more you use knowledge in different contexts, the more connections are created.
- More connections usually lead to stronger memory traces and a deeper understanding.
- Using knowledge in different ways and contexts means more connections are created.
4. Mastering
- When enough connections are created, we finally master the knowledge.
- We say that this knowledge has become part of our schemas.
- Schemas are our prior knowledge and learning sets. These act as the platform for new learning to happen in the future.
A Neural Model of Learning - Analogy
Here is one analogy to help us understand the four stages of learning proposed by Dr Efrat Furst.
Knowing
- You probably don't know the word MARACUJA. But you are probably able to recognise it if shown amongst other unknown words.
- That means you "know" the word. That is, you are able to tell you have seen it before.
Understanding
- Identifying a word does not mean you understand it.
- This will happen when you give meaning to the word.
- Maracuja = passion fruit in Portuguese.
Using
- Only giving meaning to the word is not enough to securely store it in our long-term memory.
- It is important to use this knowledge as much as possible and in as many ways as possible.
- Such as using passion fruit to create delicious recipes!
Mastering
- After using the knowledge many times and in multiple contexts, you will have created enough connections to say you have mastered that knowledge.
- Now, you are ready to learn something new and return to the first stage.
Test yourself on Neural Model of Learning
What are the four stages of learning in Dr Frust's model?
Is knowledge the same as understanding according to Dr Furst?
Which are true about the learning stage of using information, in Furst's model?
Dr Furst's Model of Learning
Imagine students answer a multiple choice question correctly simply because that was the only name they recognised. According to Dr Furst's model, can we say they understand the content?