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Ah ha moments are often mentioned in education literature. These moments are suggested to be a powerful aspect of learning yet limited research is present regarding this topic. Ah ha learning moments have also not been defined in the education literature, resulting in the likelihood that each educator and learner may have differing definitions. Before studies can be conducted to seek out educational strategies to promote these learning moments, a clear definition is needed. This article presents the results of a modified Delphi study aimed at seeking a consensus definition of ah ha learning moments among a group of experts from varied education settings.
An ah ha moment is defined by Merriam-Webster (2014) as "a moment of sudden realization, inspiration, insight, recognition, or comprehension." Ah ha moments have also been referred to as insight, Eureka, epiphanies, and light bulb moments. An ah ha experience can indicate understanding of information that was previously not comprehended (Chein & Weisberg, 2014; Kounios, et al., 2008; Penaluna, Coates, & Penaluna, 2010). Educators recognize ah ha moments as being an important and powerful aspect of the learning environment (Hardjito, 2010; Kowalski, 2007; Paulus, 2008; Sword, 2012). However, an extensive review of the literature demonstrated a lack of research from the education arena regarding this topic. Research is needed to explore and examine potential teaching and learning strategies that can promote ah ha learning moments. However, before delving too deeply into explorative studies, ah ha moments needed to first be defined from the education perspective. A consensus definition can provide the framework for additional data collection and future studies.
This article includes a description of a modified Delphi study regarding ah ha learning moments. The study purpose was twofold. The first was to develop and gain consensus for a definition of ah ha learning moments by actively engaging education experts from a variety of educational settings in development of a definition. The second was to explore potential strategies that can promote ah ha learning moments by seeking insight from experts based on their prior experiences. The results of this study can inform future data collection aimed at identifying strategies to promote an increase in these moments in educational settings.
Background, Review of Literature, and Significance
Long term recall of...