This section explores different orientations to learning. Exploring these diverse perspectives should help you think differently and more broadly about what learning means and how it happens. Teaching is not just telling, and learning is not just listening. The chart below provides a good overview of some of the main ideas related to learning theory. Many other theories are based on combinations of these basic theories. For example, the constructivist theory which is very popular now, draws heavily on the cognitive approach, but also combines elements of the theories below. Constructivism looks at learning as an active process in which the learner builds on prior knowledge to select and transform information based on their own cognitive structure (patterns of mental action that form intellectual activity).
Webster’s Dictionary defines learning as “the act or experience of one that learns; knowledge of skill acquired by instruction or study; modification of a behavioral tendency by experience." Learning is often defined as a change in behavior (Birkenholz, 1999), which is demonstrated by people implementing knowledge, skills, or practices derived from education. Basically, from an educator’s perspective, learning involves helping people along the learning process, and learning includes all of the things that we do to make it happen. As an end result, we know that learning occurs when people take newfound information and incorporate it into their life. For example, if we are working with an audience that lacks basic financial management skills for budgeting, one of our objectives is to see people gain knowledge in this area and to actually implement the new skills – hopefully, over a long period of time.
They are not exactly similar as my own but they have some common characteristics, i.e. words like “acquiring”, “instruction”, “experience” and “intellectual activity”.
2. Do they carry any particular implications for what is thought of as learning?
I suppose that they are carrying implications for what is thought to be as learning.
3. Are the references you find on the Web skewed to any particular kind of definition? If so, how would you describe this bias?
I do not think that there is any kind of bias.
My definition of learning: Learning is consisting of various procedures in acquiring knowledge. It consists of various components that could be used in order to serve the variety of learning styles that co-exist in a learning environment. A teacher has to provide learning in a variety of methods. Theories of learning suggest such ways of delivering learning. Learning is like a relationship of exchanging opinions, thoughts and views with each other. Like participation learning where you give, you offer and you receive back, you accept feedback and then you will have the option to reconsider your views and develop them accordingly.
W4: A1 Defining Learning
From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning
2. Is learning product or process?
This section explores different orientations to learning. Exploring these diverse perspectives should help you think differently and more broadly about what learning means and how it happens. Teaching is not just telling, and learning is not just listening. The chart below provides a good overview of some of the main ideas related to learning theory. Many other theories are based on combinations of these basic theories. For example, the constructivist theory which is very popular now, draws heavily on the cognitive approach, but also combines elements of the theories below. Constructivism looks at learning as an active process in which the learner builds on prior knowledge to select and transform information based on their own cognitive structure (patterns of mental action that form intellectual activity).
From: http://vudat.msu.edu/what_is_learning/
3. Learning is the lifelong process of transforming information and experience into knowledge, skills, behaviors, and attitudes.
From: http://www.missiontolearn.com/2009/05/definition-of-learning/
From: http://www.umsl.edu/services/ctl/DEID/destination2adultlearning/2blearning.html
From: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/learning.html
1. Are the definitions similar to your own?
They are not exactly similar as my own but they have some common characteristics, i.e. words like “acquiring”, “instruction”, “experience” and “intellectual activity”.
2. Do they carry any particular implications for what is thought of as learning?
I suppose that they are carrying implications for what is thought to be as learning.
3. Are the references you find on the Web skewed to any particular kind of definition? If so, how would you describe this bias?
I do not think that there is any kind of bias.
My definition of learning: Learning is consisting of various procedures in acquiring knowledge. It consists of various components that could be used in order to serve the variety of learning styles that co-exist in a learning environment. A teacher has to provide learning in a variety of methods. Theories of learning suggest such ways of delivering learning. Learning is like a relationship of exchanging opinions, thoughts and views with each other. Like participation learning where you give, you offer and you receive back, you accept feedback and then you will have the option to reconsider your views and develop them accordingly.