Two Horizons of Fusion

ABSTRACT

In this paper, we aim to differentiate the internal and external horizons of fusion. Fusion in the internal horizon relates to the structure and meaning of the object of learning as experienced by the learner. It clarifies the interrelationships among an object's critical features and aspects. It also illuminates the part-whole relationships of these features and aspects with the object itself. Fusion in the external horizon elucidates the relationships between the object of learning and its environment as seen by the learner. These relationships extend beyond the object's boundaries. This paper uses classroom data to show how these two horizons of fusion function at different levels and scopes to help learners achieve a deeper understanding of objects of learning.

KEYWORDS:

• Variation theory
• patterns of variation
• fusion
• relevance structure for learning
• deeper understanding of the object of learning

Acknowledgements

The authors sincerely thank the Special Education Support 2 Section of the Hong Kong Education Bureau; the four project schools; and all of the inspectors, teachers, and consultants for their contributions to the mathematics learning study. (Lo [2015] reports on the mathematics learning study in a different context.) They also thank the teachers and students of Chi Nam Primary School who were involved in the learning study related to astronomical occurrences. Finally, they thank the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR), project school, teacher, and students who took part in the Chinese language study of vocabulary teaching. (Chik [2006] and Marton &Tsui [2004] report on the Chinese language study in different contexts.)

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Mun Ling Lo is Honorary Professor of the Faculty of Education of the University of Hong Kong. She was formerly Professor, Head of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, and Director of the Centre for Learning Study and School Partnership (CLASP) of the Hong Kong Institute of Education. She is internationally well known for her pioneering work on Learning Study. She is a founding member of the World Association of Lesson Studies, and was elected its first president.

Pakey Pui Man Chik is an educational research officer at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Her research interests and publications focus on student learning, variation theory, and the use of variation theory to improve teaching and learning.