Variatio Est Mater Studiorum (Journal Club)

Journal Club Article: Marton, F., & Trigwell, K. (2000). Variatio est mater studiorum. Higher Education Research & Development19(3), 381-395. [abstract]

“There is no learning without discernment.  And there is no discernment without variation.”

  • Rote learning and the difference between variation and repetition. Memorising is not consistent with understanding.
  • Transfer allows the individual to move out of context, community or situation and use past learning from another situation and relate this between the two situations.
  • Motor learning and variability of practice is required.
  • Error free learning does not yield learning.
  • The space of learning provides the conditions learning takes place.
  • Participation and the concept of learning communities.

Keywords: Variation theory, phenomenography; transfer; experiential; participation; learning communities.

References 

Marton, F., & Trigwell, K. (2000). Variatio est mater studiorum. Higher Education Research & Development19(3), 381-395. [abstract]

Nursing Education Network (2017) Sameness and difference in transfer.