Explicit learning refers to a type of learning that involves conscious awareness and intentional effort to acquire new information or skills. This process is characterized by active engagement, where learners are aware of what they are learning and can often articulate it clearly. It often occurs in structured settings where specific goals or outcomes are defined, making it distinct from implicit learning, which happens without conscious awareness.
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Explicit learning often involves clear instruction and feedback, making it easier for learners to monitor their progress.
It contrasts with implicit learning, which can happen naturally without any explicit teaching methods or conscious effort.
In explicit learning, the learner is typically aware of the specific content being learned, such as vocabulary or mathematical formulas.
The development of cognitive maps can be seen as a result of both explicit learning and latent learning, as individuals may explicitly learn pathways while also picking up information unconsciously.
Explicit learning is essential in educational contexts where structured curricula are designed to facilitate clear understanding and mastery of subject matter.
Review Questions
How does explicit learning differ from implicit learning in terms of awareness and engagement?
Explicit learning differs from implicit learning primarily in terms of awareness and engagement. In explicit learning, individuals consciously focus on acquiring new knowledge or skills and can articulate what they have learned. In contrast, implicit learning occurs without awareness, where individuals acquire knowledge subconsciously through experiences without actively trying to learn. This distinction highlights how explicit methods can facilitate clearer understanding compared to the more passive nature of implicit approaches.
Discuss the role of cognitive maps in explicit learning and how they may influence the acquisition of knowledge.
Cognitive maps play a significant role in explicit learning by providing mental frameworks that help individuals organize and understand information. When learners create cognitive maps, they actively process spatial relationships and connections between concepts, enhancing their ability to recall and apply what they've learned. This structured approach allows for better navigation through complex subjects, demonstrating how explicit learning strategies can be enriched through visual representation and organization of knowledge.
Evaluate the impact of explicit learning on long-term retention compared to latent learning and its implications for educational practices.
Explicit learning generally leads to better long-term retention compared to latent learning because it involves active engagement and intentional practice. When learners consciously focus on mastering material with structured feedback, they are more likely to encode information effectively into memory. However, the combination of explicit and latent learning strategies can be particularly powerful in educational practices. Educators can enhance retention by incorporating both clear instruction (explicit) and opportunities for exploration and discovery (latent), ensuring that students not only understand concepts but also retain them over time.
Related terms
cognitive maps: Mental representations that help individuals navigate and understand their environment based on prior experiences and learned information.
A form of learning that occurs without any obvious reinforcement and is not immediately reflected in behavior until there is a reason to demonstrate it.
reinforcement: A process in which a behavior is strengthened or increased through rewards or consequences following that behavior.