Unlocking the Power of Structural Learning

Have you ever wondered why we tend to forget so much of what we learn in school?

One method proposed to address this issue is structural learning, introduced by Joseph Scandura in the 1970s. This approach organises information in a way that encourages the creation of meaningful patterns and structures, enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Rather than memorising vast amounts of data, structural learning focuses on identifying underlying structures of information.

Teachers facilitate this process through structural analysis, breaking down problems to reveal core principles. This helps students develop a problem-solving mindset, equipping them with tools to analyse information effectively and navigate complex problems confidently.

In this article, we will delve into the key theorists and concepts that underpin structural learning and explore how it differs from rote learning. Practical examples from educational institutions worldwide will be shared. Additionally, we will examine methods for measuring the effectiveness of structural learning and explore potential challenges. Join us as we explore the power of structural learning together.

Key theorists and concepts

Joseph Scandura introduced the structural learning theory in the 1970s, emphasising the importance of organising information into meaningful patterns to enhance the learning process. By creating mental structures, students can better understand, retain, and apply knowledge. This approach allows learners to uncover underlying patterns, leading to improved critical thinking skills.

In applying his theory to the teaching of subtraction in mathematics, Scandura broke down higher-order rules into lower-order ones using a structural analysis method. He identified three key principles to guide effective teaching based on this approach. These principles can be particularly useful for educators and parents aiming to support children’s learning journeys.

Structural learning theory underscores the detection and recognition of information structures, encouraging students to analyse and connect different pieces of information. By organising information hierarchically, learners can better grasp the relationships between different elements of a problem. This not only aids in information processing but also fosters problem-solving abilities and critical thinking.

Distinguishing between lower-order rules (basic relationships between elements) and higher-order rules (combinations of lower-order rules for new solutions), the theory highlights the importance of understanding the relationships within different elements. The components of domain, procedure, and range determine the structure and problem-solving capabilities within a particular area of knowledge.

Problems are approached by employing rules and strategies efficiently, with a focus on fostering deep understanding and effective learning. For example, in mathematics, understanding how basic arithmetic operations interrelate can allow students to tackle more complex problems with confidence.

Understanding key theories of learning provides teachers with a structured approach to enhance educational practice. Concepts such as behaviourism, cognitivism, constructivism, humanism, and connectivism offer guidelines for creating effective and inclusive learning environments.

These theories describe how individuals absorb, process, and retain information in education. Curiosity about how humans learn dates back to ancient Greece, with practices in China and Rome leading to the development of educational systems. Theories and hypotheses formulated by early intellectuals laid the foundation for our current understanding of the learning process.

Understanding and applying these principles can significantly impact learning experiences and overall well-being. This understanding naturally leads us to the next section: Approaches to implement structural learning. In this section, we will explore practical strategies and methods to effectively apply structural learning theory in educational and parenting contexts.

Approaches to implement structural learning

Structural learning theory revolves around organising information into patterns and structures that make sense. The aim is for students to develop their own mental frameworks to aid in comprehending and retaining what they are learning. This involves examining different pieces of information and understanding how they interconnect to solve problems and make decisions. By constructing a mental blueprint, students can enhance their critical thinking skills.

Structural learning involves two main types of rules:

• Lower-order rules encompass fundamental concepts that students must grasp. For instance, in mathematics, knowing how to add numbers together is crucial. These serve as the foundational building blocks for higher-order rules.
• Higher-order rules involve combining the lower-order rules. Using our math example, students first learn how to add numbers (the lower-order rule) to then progress to subtraction (the higher-order rule).

By understanding and applying these rules, students can unearth the underlying patterns that make sense of a particular subject. For example, in language learning, knowing the basic grammar rules (lower-order) enables students to form more complex sentences (higher-order).

High structure active learning is an inclusive teaching approach that provides scaffolded and distributed practice through intentionally crafted course components. This method includes altering the learning environment to support students who may not have the necessary skills for success in a low-structure curriculum. It can involve more scaffolding and mandatory practice, as well as ensuring active learning through interactions like small group discussions and anonymous writing assignments.

As we discuss these approaches, it’s crucial to consider how we can measure their effectiveness and address any challenges that may arise. This leads us to our next section, “Measuring effectiveness and challenges”, where we will explore methods to evaluate the success of these strategies and overcome potential obstacles.

Measuring effectiveness and challenges

Structural learning, an instructional theory by Joseph Scandura from the 1970s, focuses on organising information coherently to enhance comprehension, retention, and recall. This theory emphasises the active analysis and synthesis of knowledge, fostering problem-solving skills and critical thinking across various fields such as mathematics, science, language education, and the corporate sector.

Scandura delineated two types of knowledge building blocks within structural learning: lower-order rules, identifying basic elements, and higher-order rules, combining rules from simpler elements. In a study measuring the impacts of principle and example complexity on mapping abilities, improved structural and conceptual knowledge was observed.

Teachers can adapt the structural analysis method to enhance student performance by offering a step-by-step guide for information retention. Mental structures aid in organising and retaining information effectively, providing a strong educational foundation for student development. Quality education plays a vital role in developing self-reliant learners with robust analytical skills, enabling them to tackle real-world challenges competently.

Despite the benefits of structural learning, educators may need additional training to effectively incorporate this approach due to its theoretical nature. By integrating problem-solving methodologies, educators can deepen students’ understanding and analytical abilities, promoting academic rigour and critical thinking essential for successful learning.

To assess student learning, both direct measures like exams and quizzes, along with indirect measures such as course evaluations, help determine if course objectives are being met. Effective assessment distinguishes between summative (e.g., final exams) and formative methods (e.g., classroom discussions). This distinction is crucial for understanding student progress and instructional effectiveness.

• Direct Assessment: Exams, quizzes, and assignments.
• Indirect Assessment: Course evaluations and feedback.

Let’s consider a practical example. A teacher might use structural learning in a maths class by first teaching the basic elements (lower-order rules) such as addition and subtraction. Next, they combine these elements into more complex procedures (higher-order rules) like solving equations. This approach helps students build strong foundational skills and apply them to more complicated problems.

In practice, mental structures enable students to organise their knowledge in logical, easy-to-retrieve ways. This foundation helps not only in academic success but also in real-world problem-solving.

As we look ahead, the need for evidence-based teaching strategies becomes even more crucial. In the next section, “Future trends and implications,” we will explore how emerging technologies and innovative educational approaches can further enhance the effectiveness of structural learning principles. These future trends have significant implications for how educators and parents can better foster intrinsic motivation and positive development in children.

The video discusses the five learning theories, including behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, humanism, and connectivism. Each theory has its own strengths and limitations, and today’s classrooms incorporate multiple theories. The video provides practical examples to explain each theory and emphasizes the importance of creating student-centered classrooms while meeting learning standards in the 21st century. It highlights the role of educators in helping students learn and grow by making connections with their interests, hobbies, goals, and peers. The video concludes by encouraging viewers to engage by leaving a comment about their favorite learning theory and offers the possibility of making more in-depth videos in the future.

Future trends and implications

What will structural learning look like as we move further into the 21st century, and how will new innovations impact the way we design and deliver online courses?

Emerging trends in structural learning:

In the 1970s, Joseph Scandura introduced the theory of structural learning to help students effectively organise and understand information. This theory focuses on guiding students to detect patterns in the information they encounter and to create mental structures to retain and understand these patterns.

Impact of structural learning on educational outcomes:

Research shows that structural learning significantly helps students develop important skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking. By encouraging students to engage in deep processing of information, the theory supports better long-term retention. It emphasises understanding the underlying relationships within the material rather than rote memorisation.

Innovations in instructional design models for structural learning:

Joseph Scandura’s model emphasises teaching students to recognise higher-order rules based on simpler solution paths, developing a series of what he calls production rules. Experimental work by Boris Pyun and Scandura indicates that teaching learners to discover simple paths to solutions and then modify those rules enhances performance in selected transfer tasks.

Adapting to the changing landscape of education and structural learning practices:

The late 1990s saw the start of online learning platforms like Blackboard and Moodle, which laid the foundation for the democratization of education through MOOCs. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) in automated grading, personalised recommendations, and the use of virtual reality to create immersive learning experiences, as well as gamification to make learning more engaging, have opened up new possibilities for applying structural learning in digital environments.

Structured literacy plays a transformative role in child learning by providing a systematic approach to building foundational skills in reading and writing. By breaking language down into basic elements and teaching them in a structured way, students can develop a solid foundation for future learning.

Teachers’ use of metaphors can significantly enhance students’ understanding and engagement. By integrating metaphors into teaching practices, educators can unlock complex concepts and make learning more meaningful, fostering creativity and critical thinking.

One key aspect of child learning and well-being is developing mental structures that play a crucial role in the learning process. Understanding these hierarchical structures is essential for unlocking the power of structural learning.

As we continue to innovate and leverage technology in education, these approaches and tools will not only enhance learning experiences but also contribute to the overall well-being of our children.

Practical Applications and Benefits of Structural Learning

Why should educators and parents care about structural learning?

Structural learning theory, introduced by Joseph Scandura in the 1970s, emphasises the importance of organising information in meaningful patterns and structures. This method helps students create cognitive frameworks for understanding and retaining information more effectively. By recognising these underlying patterns, learners are better equipped to retain knowledge, develop critical thinking skills, and enhance their problem-solving abilities.

In structural learning, knowledge is classified into two types of rules:

• Lower-order rules, which allow learners to identify parts of knowledge.
• Higher-order rules, which are applied to connect and generate lower-order rules within specific contexts.

By leveraging higher-order rules, learners can simplify complex problems by breaking them down into simpler steps. This approach improves problem-solving capabilities and encourages deeper information processing.

Teachers and parents can apply structural learning principles across various subjects and contexts to optimise learning outcomes. One key methodology is structural analysis, which involves breaking down and identifying higher-order rules to more easily deduce lower-order rules. For instance, when teaching mathematics, educators can first introduce basic operations, then show how these operations apply to more complex problems.

Incorporating structural learning principles leads to numerous benefits:

• Improved retention and comprehension of subject matter
• Enhanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Encouragement of cognitive development
• Utilisation of deep processing techniques like reworking, method of loci, and imagery to optimise long-term memory retention
• Fostering deeper thinking and meaning-making
• Effective use of educational frameworks to guide classroom instruction and policy

Additionally, the Society for Neuroscience reports that explicitly accessible learning strategies like re-aiming movements are crucial for structural learning. They also find that structural learning is specific to the statistical structure of previous training.

Moreover, Frontiers Media SA discusses the use of principles and examples as instructional aids. Pairing worked examples with specific principles leads to more substantial structural and conceptual knowledge gains. For example, understanding a probability principle through an initial principle explanation followed by a simple example reduces reliance on isolated concepts and enhances understanding through connections.

Key theorists and concepts: Joseph Scandura’s structural learning theory, the distinction between lower-order and higher-order rules.

Approaches to implement structural learning: Use of structural analysis, breaking down problems, teaching higher-order rules first.

Measuring effectiveness and challenges: Observing improved retention and comprehension, enhanced critical thinking. Challenges include ensuring rules are based on students’ minimum capabilities.

Future trends and implications: Emphasis on deep processing techniques, integration of structural learning in educational frameworks.

To reap the benefits of structural learning, educators and parents should actively incorporate these principles into their teaching and parenting practices. Start by gradually introducing higher-order rules and using practical examples to deepen understanding. By doing so, we can foster a learning environment that enhances cognitive development and intrinsic motivation in children.

Begin applying these principles today and observe the transformation in your children’s learning experiences and overall well-being.

Benefits of Structural Learning
Improved retention and comprehension of subject matter
Enhanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Encouragement of cognitive development
Utilisation of deep processing techniques like reworking, method of loci, and imagery to optimise long-term memory retention
Fostering deeper thinking and meaning-making
Effective use of educational frameworks to guide classroom instruction and policy

Further reading

• Structural learning theory
• Higher-order rules
• Mental structures
• Structured literacy
• Metaphors