Structure building in learning refers to the cognitive process of constructing coherent mental representations or structures of new information.
Based on the Structure Building Framework, the goal of comprehension (and thus learning) is to build coherent mental representations or structures. This process isn't random; comprehenders (learners) build each structure by first laying a foundation.
Understanding Structure Building
Think of your mind as building complex frameworks to hold knowledge. When you learn something new, your brain doesn't just store isolated facts. It actively works to connect these facts into meaningful structures, much like building a physical structure requires a solid base.
This process involves several key steps:
- Laying the Foundation: When encountering new information (like reading a sentence or hearing a concept), the brain identifies the core ideas or main points. This forms the initial base for the new structure.
- Adding Subsequent Information: As more information is processed, the brain tries to connect it to the existing foundation. If the new information is related and fits coherently, it's integrated into the current structure.
- Shifting Structures: If the new information is unrelated to the current topic or structure being built, the brain may finish the current structure and start laying a new foundation for the new information.
This dynamic process of building, adding, and potentially shifting between structures is fundamental to making sense of the world and integrating new knowledge into our existing understanding.
Why is Structure Building Important in Learning?
Effective structure building is crucial for:
- Deep Comprehension: It moves beyond surface-level understanding to create a connected web of knowledge.
- Retention: Information organized into coherent structures is easier to remember and recall.
- Application: Well-structured knowledge can be more readily applied to new situations and problem-solving.
- Making Connections: It allows learners to see how new information relates to what they already know, strengthening the overall knowledge base.
Examples in Learning
Structure building happens constantly across different types of learning:
- Reading a Textbook: You build a structure for each chapter, starting with the main topic (foundation) and adding details, examples, and arguments that relate to it.
- Learning History: You build structures around specific events, time periods, or figures, connecting dates, causes, effects, and key people.
- Understanding a Scientific Concept: You build a structure for a concept like photosynthesis, starting with its definition (foundation) and adding details about inputs, outputs, stages, and significance.
- Following Instructions: You build a mental structure for the task, laying out the first step (foundation) and adding subsequent steps in order.
Enhancing Structure Building Skills
Learners can improve their ability to build effective mental structures through various techniques:
- Identifying Main Ideas: Focus on the core concepts first.
- Making Connections: Actively look for relationships between new information and what is already known.
- Summarizing and Synthesizing: Condensing information helps highlight key structures and relationships.
- Using Graphic Organizers: Tools like mind maps, concept maps, and outlines visually represent structures and connections.
- Asking Questions: Probing questions help clarify how new information fits or if a new structure is needed.
By consciously engaging in these practices, learners can become more efficient at building the robust mental structures necessary for deep and lasting learning.
