The DOI matches its Crossref record; 28 of the 28 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.
Generative Learning Processes of the Brain
Abstract
This article presents a functional model of learning from teaching that, in contrast to structural models of schemata and knowledge representation, focuses on the neural and cognitive processes that learners use to generate meaning and understanding from instruction. Wittrock's model of generative learning (Wittrock, 1974a, 1990) consists of four major processes: (a) attention, (b) motivation, (c) knowledge and preconceptions, and (d) generation. Each of these processes involves generative brain functions studied in neural research and generative cognitive functions studied in knowledge-acquisition research. In this model of generative learning, the brain is a model builder. It does not transform input into output. Instead, it actively controls the processes of generating meaning and plans of action that make sense of experience and that respond to perceived realities. Within this framework, teaching becomes the process of leading learners to use their generative processes to construct meanings and plans of action.
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“We conceptualize language as a situated, dialogic, and generative practice [63,68,69].”
From A Systematic Review of Generative AI in K–12: Mapping Goals, Activities, Roles, and Outcomes via the 3P Model (2025) · cites this paper as [63]
Citations
Cites
Schemata: The Building Blocks of Cognition
Rumelhart, D. E. (2017) · Routledge eBooks · doi:10.4324/9781315107493-4 · Cited by 2,584
On the proper treatment of connectionism
Smolensky, P. (1988) · Behavioral and Brain Sciences · doi:10.1017/s0140525x00052432 · Cited by 2,146
The generation effect: delineation of a phenomenon
Slamecka, N. J., & Graf, P. (1978) · Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Learning and Memory · doi:10.1037/0278-7393.4.6.592 · Cited by 1,659
Generative Processes of Comprehension
Wittrock, M. (1989) · Educational Psychologist · doi:10.1207/s15326985ep2404_2 · Cited by 978
Self-citationLearning as a generative process 1
Wittrock, M. C. (1974) · Educational Psychologist · doi:10.1080/00461527409529129 · Cited by 834
Self-citationHemisphere deconnection and unity in conscious awareness.
Sperry, R. W. (1968) · American Psychologist · doi:10.1037/h0026839 · Cited by 806
Learning science: A generative process
Osborne, R. J., & Wittrock, M. C. (1983) · Science Education · doi:10.1002/sce.3730670406 · Cited by 697
Self-citationFreeman, W. (1989) · eScholarship (California Digital Library) · Cited by 573
The Generative Learning Model and its Implications for Science Education
Osborne, R. J., & Wittrock, M. C. (1985) · Studies in Science Education · doi:10.1080/03057268508559923 · Cited by 380
Self-citationGenerative processes in reading comprehension.
Doctorow, M., Wittrock, M., & Marks, C. (1978) · Journal of Educational Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-0663.70.2.109 · Cited by 247
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Theobald, E. J., Hill, M. J., Tran, E., Agrawal, S., Arroyo, E. N., Behling, S., Chambwe, N., Cintrón, D. L., Cooper, J. D., Dunster, G., et al. (2020) · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences · doi:10.1073/pnas.1916903117 · Cited by 1,387
Eight Ways to Promote Generative Learning
Fiorella, L., & Mayer, R. E. (2016) · Educational Psychology Review · doi:10.1007/s10648-015-9348-9 · Cited by 832
“…with testable predictions concerning instructional methods and learning strategies aimed at promoting student understanding (Fiorella and Mayer 2015; King 1994; Mayer 2014; Mayer and Wittrock 1996, 2006; Novak 2010; Sweller et al. 2011; Weinstein and Mayer 1986; Webb 1982; Wittrock 1991, 1992).”
BackgroundEffects of flipping the classroom on learning outcomes and satisfaction: A meta-analysis
van Alten, D. C. D., Phielix, C., Janssen, J. J. H. M., & Kester, L. (2019) · Educational Research Review · doi:10.1016/j.edurev.2019.05.003 · Cited by 735
“Our mind actively and dynamically constructs meaning by building relations with prior-knowledge (Wittrock, 1992).”
BackgroundŠkerlavaj, M., Štemberger, M. I., Škrinjar, R., & Dimovski, V. (2006) · International Journal of Production Economics · doi:10.1016/j.ijpe.2006.07.009 · Cited by 401
The impact of augmented reality on cognitive load and performance: A systematic review
Buchner, J., Buntins, K., & Kerres, M. (2021) · Journal of Computer Assisted Learning · doi:10.1111/jcal.12617 · Cited by 496
Metadata
- Authors
- Wittrock, M. C.
- Affiliations
- University of California, Los Angeles (US)
- Corresponding author
- Wittrock, Merlin C.
- Venue
- Educational Psychologist
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 1992-09-01
- Volume
- 27
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 531-541
- ISSN
- 0046-1520 (ISSN-L)
- 1532-6985
- OpenAlex
- W1969049312
- Cited by
- 343
- References
- 28
- Citations by year
- 2026: 18 · 2025: 17 · 2024: 18 · 2023: 16 · 2022: 13 · 2021: 11 · 2020: 22 · 2019: 17 · 2018: 12 · 2017: 17 · 2016: 5 · 2015: 27 · 2014: 20 · 2013: 19 · 2012: 25
- FWCI
- 0.64
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Educational Psychologist (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neuroscience, Education and Cognitive Function
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Visual and Cognitive Learning Processes
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Educational methodologies and cognitive development
- Keywords
- generative learning, learning from teaching, attention, motivation, meaning generation, knowledge acquisition, brain function, cognitive processes, instructional design
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