Phases of Meaningful Learning

The research literature is examined for evidence suggesting that in complex, meaningful learning the learner passes through a series of stages or phases during which the learning process and the variables influencing it change systematically. After discussing various conceptual and methodological issues, phase theories in both simpler and more meaningful forms of learning are reviewed. Finally, the initial, intermediate, and terminal phases of learning are discussed. It is suggested that during the initial phase of learning the individual typically acquires isolated facts that are interpreted in terms of preexisting schemata and added to existing knowledge structures. Gradually, the learner begins to assemble these pieces into new schemata that provide him or her with more conceptual power until a level of automaticity is achieved.