The definition of learning is the process of acquiring new knowledge or skills, values, and preferences. Humans have the ability to learn and acquire knowledge as a result of experience. Some learning is fast - like putting your hand into the fire. Some learning happens through repeated practice and experience.
We start learning at birth. We continue learning through our lifetime through interactions with our learning environment. Lifelong learning is a process that is:
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Active: the first form of learning we experience in life is play. Humans must engage in a learning activity to gain new knowledge. We use experiences and conversations to build mental models of the world.
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Scaffolds on previous knowledge: Knowledge build on existing knowledge to improve our mental models and understanding. We increase the learning difficulty the more we learn.
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Occurs socially: we learn through social interactions, such as people's feedback.
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Requires motivation and engagement: we must put mental effort and persistence to learn complex concepts and ideas.
Our learning is based on a system of inputs and outputs. As we learn, we change our knowledge and behavior as a result of our experience. Optimizing the flow of knowledge in and out can help us learn better.
Types of Learning
Distance learning
Distance education, also known as e-learning, include physical separation of students and teachers during instruction. It uses technology to bridge the divide.
Observational learning
Observational learning happens by watching others. It's a form of social learning in which we replicate the behaviors that were observed.
Incidental learning
Incidental learning is unplanned or unintended. It is a by-product while engaging in a task or activity.
Learned helplessness
A condition where a person feels a sense of powerlessness from a traumatic event of continuous failure. It is thought to be a cause of depression.
Adult learning
Learning theory is different for adults. Adults have a lot of experience and expertise in life. Their learning and memory are different from children learning because they have already participated in years of the formal learning process. Some adult learning theories are:
- Transformative learning: Transformative learning starts with learning that appeals to the audience, then challenging the assumptions and exploring alternative points of view.
- Self-directed learning: These are informal learning experiences that provide content and evaluates their learning experiences after the fact.
- Experiential learning: This is known as learning by doing, which uses role-playing, simulations, and experience to learn.
Why Learn?
Learning cycles take a period of time to create permanent change. But once a person gains knowledge, they take it for life. By creating learning resources for people, the world is able to create change in behavior that leads to the world become more benevolent and loving. By adapting content for different learning styles, we are able to help increase emotional intelligence and spread powerful knowledge. Learning to learn is the most important lesson in the world. It is the biggest factor to creating a relatively permanent change in our communities and the world abroad.
All Learning Articles
Here is a complete list of articles I have written on learning. Enjoy!