Definition, Nature and Theories of Learning

Learning

§  From a Dictionary: “To gain knowledge or understanding of, or skill in, by study, instruction, or investigation.”

§  Defined as a modification of behavior through experience

§  An acquisition of behavior pattern. It is a modification and coordination of the responses of organism.

§  A process of having one’s behavior modified, more or less permanently by what happens in the world around him by what observes. It is only change that results from experience except change

§  It is also an active process.

§  It was characterized into: motivation, readiness, responses, reinforcement and generation. These learning processes are classical conditioning, operant conditioning (instrumental conditioning), social learning and cognitive learning.

Nature of learning

According to Thorndike, hull and Skinner, it is a process of acquisition of new behavior or strengthening or weakening the old behavior as the result of experiences with a view of modifying the behavior, this process may involve many changes in perception and behavior.

Learning includes a wide variety of changes in behavior. it may involve adjustment with others , or it may involve the learning use of skills in day to day work or inculcation  of healthy habits, it may also involve the fostering of right attitudes or learning to control emotions.

§  Learning process involves some motives, drives on the part of learner and these motives, or drives spring in a goal.

§  Entire learning situation is a very complex process. Learning may also necessitate involvement of symbols

Theories of Learning

S- R bond Theory

§  It assumes that through conditioning specific responses can be directly linked with a particular stimulus.

Behaviorism

§  It assumes that learning process of building conditioned reflexes through the substitution of one stimulus for another.

Gestalt Theory

§  It emphasizes use of instinct as basic principle and is opposed to trial and error.

Functionalism

§  It assumes that behavior and mental processes are adaptive.

Humanistic 

§  Emotions and affect play a role in learning. Arising from a value-base of empowering and even liberating the learner

Social

§  humans learn best in group activities

Sources:

Book: Principles and Methods of Teaching

Principles of Teaching and Learning

http://www.infed.org/biblio/b-learn.htm

http://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1687132.html