Page 115 - Microsoft Word - The Future of Learning April 2017.docx

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Stage 6: The Learning Process141 Concept Frameworks
When we drive a car, we are applying a range of concepts simultaneously to be able to drive safely. Driving can include concepts such as braking, steering, parking, hill starts, 3-point turns, navigating roundabouts, changing lanes, calculating stopping distances, selecting the right gear, and giving way. The list is almost endless and it creates a network of knowledge, ideas and concepts across the brain. The combination of all these concepts and the interactions between them are mostly applied non-consciously, without conscious thinking on our behalf, which is nothing short of amazing.
A network of concepts is referred to as a concept framework and is composed of all the interconnected knowledge, ideas and concepts that underpin driving or any other concept framework. The diagram below provides a simple outline for the building of concepts, although it is critical to note that this is not a simple sequential process as the diagram might imply.
Resource 52: The Formation of Concept Frameworks
We will use some of the underlying concepts of driving, such as judging distance or opening the car door, in many other non-driving situations (contexts). Concept frameworks contain a mixture of concepts that are developed from ideas, that are in turn developed from knowledge. These all work together so that we can manage the extremely complex task of driving. Interestingly, in this emerging neuroscientific model of learning, numerous iterations of each concept are not stored in the brain for each specific context, but rather, a single ‘copy’ of the concept is stored and reused within thousands of concept frameworks and applied ‘on the fly’ as needed. In doing this, our brain is enormously energy efficient. However, our brain still uses between 25-30% of the body’s energy production and this is far higher than for any other species.
141 The chapter 18 summary video can be found here - https://youtu.be/6f_uuPMs-Bw if you are reading the book, otherwise click on the video icon at the top of the page
18
Start Here
Knowledge (the minimum)
Ideas
(to be understood)
associated concepts
Identity
Concepts (to be understood)
Thinking & Questioning
The Language of Learning
Collaboration
Managing Self
Concept Frameworks
Stage 4
Connecting & Reflecting