Learning, Creating, and Using Knowledge: Concept Maps as Facilitative Tools in Schools and Corporations » (2nd Edition)

Joseph D. Novak, Professor Emeritus, Cornell University, Education and Biology, is Senior Research Scientist, Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition.

This fully revised and updated edition of Learning, Creating, and Using Knowledge recognizes that the future of economic well being in today's knowledge and information society rests upon the effectiveness of schools and corporations to empower their people to be more effective learners and knowledge creators. Novak’s pioneering theory of education presented in the first edition remains viable and useful. This new edition updates his theory for meaningful learning and autonomous knowledge building along with tools to make it operational—that is, concept maps, created with the use of CMapTools and the V diagram.

The theory is easy to put into practice, since it includes resources to facilitate the process, especially concept maps, now optimised by CMapTools software. CMapTools software is highly intuitive and easy to use. People who have until now been reluctant to use the new technologies in their professional lives are will find this book particularly helpful. Learning, Creating, and Using Knowledge is essential reading for educators at all levels and corporate managers who seek to enhance worker productivity.

1 An Overview of the Book 1

2 The Need for a Theory of Education 12

3 Meaningful Learning for Empowerment 23

4 The Construction of New Meanings 41

5 Ausubel's Assimilation Learning Theory 56

6 The Nature of Knowledge and How Humans Create Knowledge 90

7 The Effective Teacher/Manager 131

8 The Context for Education/Management 182

9 Evaluation and Rewards 217

10 Improving Education in Schools and Corporations 245

Appendix I 279

Appendix II 281

References 283

Name index 303

Subject index 308