Learning-a conceptual framework

Concepts and definitions of learning

Learning is a key process in human behaviour. In its simplest form, learning means acquisition of experience.In its complex form, it means acquisition, retention and modification of experience.It means establishing new relationship between stimulus and response.It means development of method of problem solving.It is motivated by adjustment to environment.It includes all activities which leave a permanent effect on the individual.

1. Definitions of Learning:

Gales and others:

“Learning is the modification of behaviour through experience and training.”

J.P. Guilford:

“Learning is any change in behaviour, resulting from behaviour”.

Charles E. Skinner:

“Learning is the process of progressive behaviour adoptions.”

Crow and Crow:

“Learning is the acquisition of habits, knowledge and attitudes”.

Characteristics of Learning

1. Learning is Growth. 2. Learning is Adjustment. 3. Learning is Intelligent. 4. Learning is Active.5. Learning is the product of Environment.6. Learning is both Individual and Social.7. Learning is Purposeful.8. Learning is organizing Experience.9. All living is Learning.10. True Learning affects the conduct of the learner.11. Learning is Universal.12. Learning is Change.13. Learning is a Process not a product.14. Learning is transferable.15. Learning is total reaction of the individual to total situation.

Types of Learning:

1. Motor learning:

Most of our activities in our day-to-days life refer to motor activities. The individual has to learn them in order to maintain his regular life, for example walking, running, skating, driving, climbing, etc. All these activities involve the muscular coordination.

2. Verbal learning:

This type of learning involves the language we speak, the communication devices we use. Signs, pictures, symbols, words, figures, sounds, etc, are the tools used in such activities. We use words for communication.

3. Concept learning:

It is the form of learning which requires higher order mental processes like thinking, reasoning, intelligence, etc. we learn different concepts from childhood. For example, when we see a dog and attach the term ‘dog’, we learn that the word dog refers to a particular animal. Concept learning involves two processes, viz. abstraction and generalization. This learning is very useful in recognizing, identifying things.

4. Discrimination learning:

Learning to differentiate between stimuli and showing an appropriate response to these stimuli is called discrimination learning. Example, sound horns of different vehicles like bus, car, ambulance, etc.

5. Learning of principles:

Individuals learn certain principles related to science, mathematics, grammar, etc. in order to manage their work effectively. These principles always show the relationship between two or more concepts. Example: formulate, laws, associations, correlations, etc.

6. Problem solving:

This is a higher order learning process. This learning requires the use of cognitive abilities-such as thinking, reasoning, observation, imagination, generalization, etc. This is very useful to overcome difficult problems encountered by the people.

7. Attitude learning:

Attitude is a predisposition which determines and directs our behaviour. We develop different attitudes from our childhood about the people, objects and everything we know. Our behaviour may be positive or negative depending upon our attitudes. Example: attitudes of nurse towards her profession, patients, etc.