Course-level Experimental Studies of Meaningful Learning

Based on the Human Knowledge Highway annotated with the level of knowledge and the optimal Learning Order Algorithm and Diagnostic Test Algorithm on the Human Knowledge Highway, if our deep learning v.s. shallow learning studies proves meaningful learning has advantages over rote learning at the level of specific knowledge pieces, in this research, we will do the meaningful learning experimental research at laboratory level and course level.

In the laboratory-level learning experiment, we choose more than a dozen closely related concepts, compile learning materials according to the calculated learning order and the top-down and left-right connections among the knowledge, and carry out the comparative study of meaningful learning and rote learning. The comparison will include both behavioral and neuroscience perspective, including achievement of learning goals, transfer learning after learning, transfer creation ability, transfer use of knowledge, cognitive and emotional burden in the learning process. Both single brain and multi-brain activities will be considered.

In the course-level learning experiment, we choose a course, compile learning materials according to the calculated learning order, the top-down and left-right connections among the knowledge, and carry out the comparative study of meaningful learning and rote learning. Compared with laboratory learning experiments, here we cannot select the concept groups that are most beneficial to meaningful learning for the experimental research, but the advantage of this experiment is that it is closer to the actual teaching setting.

Of course, once these experimental studies are successful, the next step is to promote ideas and methods, complile and promote textbooks, design and promote teaching tools, and even research on how to compile, design and promote them.