Käsitevaihtoa

Käsitevaihtoa, meaning concept exchange or conceptual change, is a pedagogical and psychological concept that describes the process by which individuals alter their existing understandings or beliefs to accommodate new information or experiences. This phenomenon is particularly relevant in learning environments where students may encounter ideas that contradict their prior knowledge. The process is not simply about adding new information but involves a deeper restructuring of one's mental frameworks.

Successful käsitevaihtoa often requires that the new concept is perceived as intelligible, plausible, and fruitful. Intelligible means the learner can understand the new concept. Plausible suggests the learner finds the new concept believable or consistent with other knowledge. Fruitful implies that the new concept offers advantages for understanding, problem-solving, or future learning. Learners may resist conceptual change due to cognitive dissonance, emotional attachment to existing beliefs, or a lack of perceived need for change. Educators aiming to facilitate käsitevaihtoa often employ strategies such as posing challenging questions, presenting counter-examples, and encouraging reflection on current understandings. It is a fundamental aspect of deep learning and scientific reasoning.