ACTIVATION
Definition of Learning Activation
A state composed of dispositions, practices, and knowledge that enables success in proximal science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics learning experiences.
To date, the bulk of our work has focused on investigating learning activation in science and art. We are beginning to expand our research into learning activation in technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Dispositions, Practice and Knowledge
We posit that activation is made up of five elements, that we call dimensions. These dimensions vary when considering activation in the distinct subject areas of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.
Science
We are investigating the characteristics of science learning activation. We are testing the notion that the “activated science learner” is characterized by the following dispositions, practices, and knowledge:
Fascination | Values | Scientific Sensemaking | Competency Beliefs
Technology
We are in the process of defining the characteristics of technology learning activation. We are testing the notion that the “activated technology learner” is characterized by the following dispositions, practices, and knowledge:
Fascination | Values | Mechanistic Thinking | Competency Beliefs
Engineering
We are in the process of defining the characteristics of engineering learning activation. We are testing the notion that the “activated engineering learner” is characterized by the following dispositions, practices, and knowledge:
Fascination | Values | Mechanistic Thinking | Competency Beliefs
Art
We are investigating the characteristics of art learning activation. We are testing the notion that the “activated art learner” is characterized by the following dispositions, practices, and knowledge:
Fascination | Values | Abstract Thinking | Competency Beliefs
Mathematics
We are investigating the characteristics of mathematics learning activation. We are testing the notion that the “activated mathematics learner” is characterized by the following dispositions, practices, and knowledge:
Fascination | Values | Mathematical Reasoning | Competency Beliefs
Success
We hypothesize that activation enables success in proximal learning experiences. We define success as the following three elements:
Choice | Engagement | Learning