Ausubel’s theory of significant learning: thoughts for teaching physics before the new social reality

Abstract

Changes that occur in the global social scene in recent decades, attributed to scientific and technological advances, have triggered changes in all areas of knowledge. These changes exhibit a globalized
world, whose satisfaction of its demands arising requires that citizens experience situations of knowledge building that assist in the development of cognitive skills capable of providing scientific literacy in relation to new demands. This time of transition provokes changes in the field of education, including all areas of knowledge. In this context the question is: what contributions the Theory of Meaningful Learning of Ausubel may be aggregated to the physics teaching
process? Through literature research, this work aims to promote reflection on the Theory of Meaningful Learning of Ausubel, seeking to assist teachers in teaching physics. It was concluded that the Theory of Meaningful Learning of Ausubel has an important role with regard to the training of students to meet the challenges posed by the current society. Therefore, it is pertinent that teachers know this theory so that they can organize and develop a consistent process of education with the demands of society.