Meaning and Definitions of learning
Learning, in psychology, the process by which a relatively lasting change in potential behaviour occurs because of practice or experience. Learning is also a process of acquiring modifications in existing knowledge, skills, habits, or tendencies through experience, practice, or exercise.
Charles E. Skinner:-“Learning is the process of progressive behaviour adoptions.”
Gales and others:-“Learning is the modification of behaviour through experience and training.
Characteristics of Learning: On the basis of analysis of various definitions of learning Yokam, Simpson and Mursel have given the following 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 organising 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.
Learning Theories:-
Learning theories are an organized set of principles explaining how individuals acquire,retain and recall knowledge.The principles of the theories can be used as guidelines to help select instructional tools,techniques and strategies to promote learning.
Learning theories are ,basically,three types as:
- Behaviorism Theory
- Cognitivism Theory
- Constructivism Theory
Behaviorism Theory:-
- Behaviourism is based on observable changes in behavioural patterns.
- It focuses on a new behavioural pattern being repeated until it becomes automatic.
- The learner depends on an instructor for acquisition of knowledge.
Cognivitism Theory:-
- Cognitivism is based on the change in behaviour through sequential development of an individual’s cognitive abilities.
- It indicates the thought process inside the learner’s mind.
Constructivism Theory:-
- Constructivism explains the manner in which knowledge is constructed.
- It focuses on construction of knowledge when the information obtained comes in contact with the knowledge acquired by experiences.
