According to Richard Mayer's theories, what is important for constructing meaningful knowledge?

The emphasis on active engagement as a critical element in constructing meaningful knowledge aligns with Richard Mayer's principles of multimedia learning and cognitive theory. Mayer suggests that learners learn better when they are actively involved in the process, rather than receiving information passively. Active engagement can take many forms, including participating in discussions, working on collaborative projects, and interacting with digital content. This engagement prompts learners to connect new information to prior knowledge, facilitating deeper understanding and retention.

Mayer's theories underscore the importance of cognitive processes such as elaboration and interaction, which are fostered through active engagement. When learners actively construct their understanding through hands-on activities and personal reflection, they create more robust mental models. This approach contrasts sharply with passive listening, where learners may not effectively integrate or retain information, leading to superficial understanding.

In summary, the significance of active engagement lies in its ability to enhance learning by encouraging learners to deeply process content, thus constructing meaningful knowledge effectively.