David Ausubel

David Ausubel was an American psychologist best known for his work in educational psychology. He developed the concept of meaningful learning, which emphasizes that new information should connect with existing knowledge. Ausubel argued that if learners can relate new ideas to what they already know, they will understand and remember better. He introduced tools like advance organizers—brief introductions that prepare learners for new content. His theories have significantly influenced teaching practices, particularly in understanding how students learn and how educators can enhance their learning experiences by fostering connections between new and prior knowledge.