F) Insight Theory

INSIGHT THEORY

"Discovery is the journey; insight is the destination." - Gary Hamel

Try this first!

Have you ever experienced encountering a problem so hard it takes you a while to find a solution, until out of nowhere an answer suddenly pops into your head? Share your experience on the space provided below.

SYNOPSIS

Insight learning theory is the sudden realization about a solution to a problem. This is not to be confused with trial and error learning where more careful experimentation is involved. Insight occurs in human learning when people recognize relationships (or make novel associations between objects or actions) that can help them solve new problems.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After this lesson, the learners are expected to:

Evaluate different concepts of insight learning Analyze and solve new problems. Differentiate trial and error and insight learning. Apply the educational implications to different situations.

INSIGHT LEARNING THEORY

The Insight Learning Theory, also known as the "Gestalt Theory of Learning", is proposed by Wolfgang Kohler, a German Psychologist. This theory explains the sudden understanding of the correlation between a problem and a solution.

Wolfgang Kohler

The theory of Insight Learning was first proposed by German-American psychologist, Wolfgang Köhler. He was born in Revel, Estonia on January 21, 1887. Köhler gained fame with The Mentality of Apes, in which he argued that his chimpanzee subjects, like human beings, were capable of insight learning, leading to a radical revision of learning theory.

Kohler’s learning by insight theory is related to the cognitive type of theory of learning. Insight Learning theory was invented by Wolfgang Kohler, Kurt koffka and Max Wertheimer.

Kohlar kept a monkey (named Sultan) hungry for some time, and then shut him in a large cage. He hung bananas from the ceiling, and kept a box on the floor of the cage, fast beneath. The monkey could not reach the banana. Another box was put in a corner of the cage. But Sultan could not get the idea of placing one box on the other and thus reaching the banana. Ultimately Kohlar gave a demonstration of putting one box on the other. Sultan could now learn the whole situation. He used his intelligence and insight to put the two boxes one upon the other, stand on these and then reach the bananas.

A. Experiment

Kohler conducted many experiments on chimpanzees and brought out a book ‘Mentality of Apes’ in 1925 which was the result of his experiments, conducted during the period 1913-17 on the Canary Island.

(i) Kohler's experiment on Sultan (Experiment with box):

(ii) Experiment with two sticks:

In another experiment Kohler kept two sticks in the cage. One end of the shorter sticks could be fitted in the one end of the longer sticks, so as to make them longer. The monkey did not get the idea of forming the two sticks through trial and error. When Kohlar gave a hint through putting his finger in the whole of the bigger stick, the monkey viewed the whole situation and performed the right task through understanding the insight.

INSIGHT LEARNING THEORY

Watch this: Here are some YouTube videos to watch for you to grasp concepts about Insight learning and further understand Kohler’s experiment on Insight learning theory; (Chimpanzee Insight (Kohler Study Footage) https://youtu.be/6YWrPzsmEE (Insight learning: Chimpanzee Problem Solving) https://youtu.be/fPz6uvIbWZE

B. Four Stages of Insight Learning

Insight learning is a process that has four stages. These four stages are preparation, incubation, insight, and verification. Each phase of insight learning can be thought of as a part of a story.

Experience - Past experiences help in the insightful solution of the problems. A child cannot solve the problems of Modern Mathematics unless he is well acquainted with its symbolic language. Intelligence – Insightful solution depends upon the basic intelligence of the learner. The more intelligent the individual is, the greater his insight will be. Learning Situation – How insightfully the organism will react depends upon the situation in which it has to act. Some situations are more favorable than others for an insightful solution. As a common observation, insight occurs when the learning situation is so arranged that all the necessary aspects are open for observation. Initial Efforts or Trial and Error – Insightful learning has to pass through the process of trial and error. Whatever an activity may be, attempts or efforts or trials always lie at its root. This opens the way for insightful learning. Repetition and Generalization – After having an insightful solution to a particular type of problem, the organism tries to repeat it in another situation, demanding a similar type of solution. The way found in one situation helps him to react insightfully in the other identical situation.

Preparation - This is the analytic thinking stage in which the problem-solver tries all kinds of approaches to solving a problem using logic and reasoning. Incubation - you “give up” for a short period of time. Although you’ve abandoned the project, your brain is still making connections on an unconscious level. Insight - When the right connections have been made in mind, the “a-ha” moment occurs. Eureka! You have an epiphany! Verification - Now, you just have to make sure that your epiphany is right. You test out your solution and hopefully, it works! This is a great moment in your learning journey. The connections you make to solve this problem are likely to help you in the future.

C. Factors Influencing Insight Learning

Many experiments have thrown light upon and established the various factors which influence insight. Some of them are mentioned below;

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

INSIGHT LEARNING THEORY

D. What is the difference between Trial-and-Error and Insightful Learning?

The cat in Thorndike’s puzzle box learns to connect a response with a stimulus, which is subsequently rewarded. The learning by trial-and-error is a matter of S-R connection. Kohler’s chimpanzee learns to perceive the relationships between various aspects of the stimulus situation. Establishing the relationship between one stimulus and the others forms the core of the insightful learning. The insightful learning is of S-S type.

The two forms of learning differ with respect to the role of the organism in the learning situation. Animals lower in the phylogenetic scale acquire through trial and error. Their role in the learning situation is only mechanical and passive. The organism’s approach in trial-and-error consists of random blind activities and the solution comes by chance. On other hand, the organism in insightful learning, surveys, inspects, observes, and examines various aspects of the problem situation, and thereby takes an active role in learning. Higher- order animals including chimpanzees and human beings are capable of insightful learning.

Both the trial-and-error and the insightful learning differ with respect to the strength of learning. The trial-and-error learning is more or less temporary, depends on continued practice, and weakens when practice is discontinued. The insightful solution, once acquired, stays for a long time and does not easily fade away when the practice is discontinued. Finally, in trial-and-error, the transfer of learning is poor; skills acquired in one situation are not easily transferred to another situation. On the other hand, learning by insight is easily transferred from one situation to other similar situations.

Read more about the Insight Theory: Theory of Learning by Insight | Psychology https://www.psychologydiscussion.net/learning/learning-theory/theory-of-learning-byinsight-psychology/2513 Wolfgang Köhler https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Wolfgang_K%C3%B6hler Insight Learning (Definition + Examples) https://practicalpie.com/insight-learning/

INSIGHT LEARNING THEORY

Organize your thoughts

A. The following are problems that require insight to solve. Apply your own insight to solve these problems.

Mr. Hardy was washing windows on a high-rise office building when he slipped and fell off a 20-meter ladder onto the concrete sidewalk below. Incredibly, he was completely unhurt. How was that possible?

A man walked for 20 minutes on the surface of a lake without sinking but with no floatation device. How did he do it?

A man was reading a book when the lights went out. Although the room was completely dark, the man continued to read. How was that possible?

B. In a minimum of 100 words, tell us about what you have learned about the Insight Learning Theory of Wolfgang Kohler.

INSIGHT LEARNING THEORY

Let yourself explore

Think about a problem that you are having a hard time solving. When you come up with one, use the process of insight learning that has four stages which are preparation, incubation, insight, and verification. Tell us about how it goes in the space below.

sQUIZ your Mind

Direction: Carefully analyze the situation, choose the correct answer and put them on the blank before each number.

___1. A German-American psychologist who proposed that learning draws on previous experience and involves a new way of perceiving logical and cause-and-effect relationships. A. Wolfgang Köhler B. Wolfgang Mozart C. Wolfgang Schnelder D. Wolfgand Freud

___2. Which of the following is NOT an example of Insight Learning? A. A dog is in a room with a small gate to keep him from leaving. He pushes a box over to the gate in order to stand on it and jump over the gate. B. People will use a chair in order to get high enough to paint the top of the wall. C. A child observes their parents going to work every day. D. When moving a chair, you have to move it sideways to make it fit through the door.

___3. This is also known as the "Gestalt Theory of Learning" which explains the sudden understanding of the connection between a problem and solution. A. Cognitive learning theory B. Insight learning theory C. Social learning theory D. Connectivism learning theory

INSIGHT LEARNING THEORY

___4. It is one of the four stages of insight learning that is called the analytic thinking stage. A. Verification B. Insight C. Preparation D. Incubation

5-6. There are several factors that influence Insight learning. Check all that applies. (2 points)

Learning situation

Initial Efforts or Trial Error

Experimentation

Test results

Experience

___7. To what animal did Kohler conduct his experiments? A. Orangutans B. Rats C. Rabbits D. Chimpanzees

8-10. Choose the answer from the box and label the diagram below.

REFERENCES

Insight Learning Theory by Wolfgang Kohler. (2021, December 31). Education Summary. https://educationsummary.com/lesson/insight-learning-theory-by-wolfgang-kohler/

S. (2011, February 7). What is the difference between Trial-and-Error and Insightful Learning? PreserveArticles.Com: Preserving Your Articles for Eternity. https://www.preservearticles.com/psychology/difference-between-trial-and-error-andinsightful-learning/2308

T, T. (2022, May 16). Insight Learning (Definition + Examples). Practical Psychology. https://practicalpie.com/insight-learning/

Wolfgang Köhler - New World Encyclopedia. (n.d.). New World Encyclopedia. https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Wolfgang_K%C3%B6hler

Zaveri, S. (2016, November 5). Theory of Learning by Insight | Psychology. Psychology Discussion - Discuss Anything About Psychology. https://www.psychologydiscussion.net/learning/learning-theory/theory-of-learning-byinsight-psychology/2513

RECEPTION AND DISCOVERY LEARNING THOERIES STORY

Guide Question: What effective learning styles have you adapted for you to have a successful teaching experience?

CHAPTER 6: RECEPTION AND DISCOVERY LEARNING THEORIES STORY Teacher Archiel's POV

It was a pleasant afternoon as I sat in my swivel chair in the English Faculty. There was a group of interviewers and committees for a Documentation roaming around the school and I was chosen as one of the teachers they wanted to feature in their documentation about my Teaching Experience.

Mr. Celino, one of the committees in ABS-MA documentary films called me in the faculty “It’s your turn now, Teacher Archiel.” Mr. Celino said. I fixed my things and proceeded to the room where the documentation was happening. “Sit down, Teacher Archiel.” Mr. Celino said. I then sat and this served as a signal for them to start the interview for the documentation. “How’s your teaching experience? What effective

learning styles have you adapted for you to have a successful teaching

experience?” Mr. Celino asked.

Our school principal told me that there will be an interview for the Visitor's Documentation and if the documentation will be successful, my promotion as a Teacher III will be granted by them. I’m nervous because this will be the first time that I’ll be featured in the documentation. I don’t know what will be the first step that I’ll do as preparation for the documentation. The good thing is that Teacher Errie suggested that the first thing I need to do is to find out which learning style the student prefers.

RECEPTION AND DISCOVERY LEARNING THOERIES STORY

I followed the suggestion given by Teacher Errie. The next day, as my class started, my student asked “What will be our lesson for today, Teacher Archiel?” “Our lesson for

today is all about the Difference between Reception and Discovery Learning, but to

begin with, let us discuss the meaning of reception,” I said after proceeding to the next slide of my PowerPoint Presentation. “Reception Learning takes place in a

classroom where a learner will analyze the lesson for them to explore and deepen their knowledge. The teacher used flashcards, visual aids, and concept maps so

that the student will easily adapt to the lesson being discussed” I said while discussing. I asked my students, “What learning material do you prefer when

learning?”

“I prefer flashcards when studying because it helps me in understanding the

terminologies in the different parts of the Letter” my student answered.

After that I then proceeded to discuss all about the discovery learning. “Discovery

learning takes place in the context of solving problems and assessing solutions where learners interact with their environment by exploring and manipulating objects, Trial and error, doing experiments, while using their own experience and

prior knowledge to better learn an idea.” I said. I asked my students how they could further develop their knowledge while utilizing the discovery learning approach. My student answered, “Ask questions! Because it helps us students to direct our own

learning as we try to merge our prior knowledge and new information in our

attempts to better understand each topic.” I then replied, “Correct!”

As we move on to the next part of our discussion, I asked my students this: “Raise

your hand if you prefer Reception Learning and keep your hands lowered if you

prefer Discovery Learning as a way of exploring knowledge.” It was a 50/50 split among the students. I can now see who among my students prefer Reception Learning and Discovery Learning which I can use in finding out their learning style and finding an activity suitable for them.

On the day of my assessment, there will be two activities. Those students who prefer reception learning will collaborate in the first activity, while those who prefer discovery learning will engage in the second.

As part of the assessment day for all English instructors, I begin my English class by preparing the materials for my demonstration lesson. I started the discussion on reading critically in expository nonfiction, poetry, drama, and fiction. “Okay, students that I have

selected to participate in our first activity, would you kindly stand up? This activity is about how you portray a character base on the presented illustration in our board."

RECEPTION AND DISCOVERY LEARNING THOERIES STORY

After the activity where reception learning is present, I start now to discuss the next instruction for the next activity. "Now, in this activity, we will engage in a debate in

which you are encouraged to generate new information and to use your imagination, intuition, and creativity. The students who will argue their points or express an argumentative viewpoint on the following themes have been selected. The following subjects will be discussed: Mandatory vaccination of Covid-19, Medical Marijuana, Racial and Gender discrimination, the war against drugs, and social media use. Let yourself explore ideas, facts, new information, and good stand in your chosen topic."

*After the evaluation day*

It was my accomplishment to complete my assessment day with a score of 98%, ranking me first in the English department. It will help me a lot to garner enough points for my ranking.

“How’s your student’s performance when you group them depending on their

preferred learning style?” the interviewer asked. “When the day of evaluation came,

my students were very cooperative and demonstrated great behavior. They showed that they really learned from the activities that I prepared for them. I was so happy to see my students learn and this makes me feel that all of my hard work finally

paid off,” I answered.

"Thank you, Sir Archiel, it was fascinating to hear your experience, and I believe this documentation can also assist those teachers in their approach to teaching,”

Mr. Celino said.

I'm on a path where obstacles are still visible, but I always overcome those barricades to continue walking in a direction where many students have ambitions that I will assist in achieving. As I said, "don't lose hope and be the changer of our nation." It was a wonderful day to be interviewed, and I will continue to inspire others and carry the torch as Inang Pamantasan taught me. I will continue my passion until my last breath, being Archiel Victorino Sebastian holding the degrees, D.M., Ed.D., Ph.D.