AGUSAN DEL SUR STATE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY
Bunawan, Agusan del Sur
PROF. ED 100 | Asynchronous Learning Activity
DAVID AUSUBEL’S THEORIES OF LEARNING
I. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR LEARNERS
1. Read all parts of this module carefully.
2. Complete each activity in sequence.
3. Submit outputs in Google Classroom under “Ausubel Module Output”.
4. You may revisit the video and reading materials anytime.
5. All activities must be finished within the day.
II. LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of the module, you should be able to:
1. Explain David Ausubel’s Meaningful Learning Theory in your own words.
2. Differentiate meaningful learning from rote learning.
3. Identify and create examples of advance organizers.
4. Apply Ausubel’s theory in analyzing real classroom situations.
5. Demonstrate understanding through short written tasks.
III. LESSON CONTENT
A. Who is David Ausubel?
David Ausubel (1918–2008) was an American psychologist who emphasized the
importance of learners’ prior knowledge. He believed that learning becomes deeper
when new information is connected to what the learner already knows.
B. Key Concepts of Ausubel’s Theory
1. Meaningful Learning
Occurs when new knowledge is linked to existing knowledge.
Leads to deeper understanding and long-term retention.
2. Rote Learning
Memorization without understanding.
Information is easily forgotten.
3. Prior Knowledge
Ausubel stated:
“The most important single factor influencing learning is what the learner already
knows.”
This means teachers must know what the students understand before teaching new
concepts.
4. Advance Organizers
Tools used before the lesson to help students connect ideas.
Examples:
KWL Chart (Know–Want to know–Learned)
Concept Map
Venn Diagram
Overview or Summary
Introductory video or story
5. Reception Learning
Ausubel supported structured, teacher-led explanations, not to promote passiveness, but
because clear, well-organized instruction leads to meaningful learning.
C. Sample Advance Organizer
Topic: Parts of a Plant
Advance Organizer: A simple diagram showing leaves, roots, and stem with a short
summary of their functions.
IV. LEARNING RESOURCES
📺 WATCH (10 minutes)
Video: David Ausubel—Meaningful Learning Theory
Link: Search “David Ausubel Meaningful Learning Theory” on YouTube
📖 READ (10 minutes)
Review the summary provided in Section III.
V. LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Activity 1: Check Your Understanding (10 minutes)
Answer the following in 3–5 sentences each:
1. In your own words, explain meaningful learning.
2. How is meaningful learning different from rote learning?
3. Why does Ausubel emphasize prior knowledge?
4. Give two examples of advance organizers and explain how they help students.
Activity 2: Create an Advance Organizer (15 minutes)
Choose a topic from any subject (e.g., Science, English, Math).
Create one advance organizer, such as:
Concept map
KWL Chart
Graphic organizer
Short introductory summary
Activity 3: Application Task (10 minutes)
Read this scenario:
Scenario:
A teacher begins a lesson on "Healthy Eating" by asking students what foods they
usually eat at home. She then shows a graphic organizer comparing healthy vs.
unhealthy foods before explaining the food pyramid.
Question:
How did the teacher apply Ausubel’s theory in this scenario? (Answer in 5–7 sentences.)
VI. ASSESSMENT (5 minutes)
Provide a short answer:
Why is meaningful learning important for future teachers like you?
(3–5 sentences)