Human constructivism: A unification of psychological and epistemological phenomena in meaning making

Abstract

Abstract Ausubel's (1963, 1968, 1978) assimilation theory of learning is used to describe the process by which humans engage in meaningful learning. High levels of meaningful learning are characterized as underlying the process of new knowledge construction. Concept maps and Vee diagrams are employed to illustrate aspects of assimilation theory, foundational constructivist epistemological ideas, and tools that can facilitate meaningful learning and knowledge construction. The central thesis is that the process of meaningful learning, as understood through assimilation theory, is fundamental to both the psychological process of cognitive development of individuals and the epistemological process of new knowledge construction.