What is Learning?
Simply put learning is defined as the acquisition of knowledge or skills through study, experience, or being taught. Human beings, animals and some machines have the ability to learn.
As can be seen from the above definition, learning occurs throughout a person’s life. Studies have shown that unborn babies at 32 weeks of gestation demonstrate signs of learning.
In psychology however learning is defined as a step-by-step process in which an individual displays permanent changes in knowledge or behavior.
There are many types of learning and some are as follows.
• Observational learning. This type of learning is when we do not do anything to learn, but by simple observation of others and the world around us we can learn many things. This type of learning is most common and very often we do it without realizing it.
• Cognitive learning. Learning which involves active thought processes and may also involve practice and use of memory is known as Cognitive learning.
• Conditioning. Classical conditioning is when we can use certain experiences or observations that we make to predict future events. Operant conditioning is when we learn that certain types of behavior will result in a reward whereas other types of behavior will be punished.
• Co-operative learning. This type of learning is seen most often in students who work in groups or teams to complete their projects. When used correctly this type of learning leads to more productive results.
For the purpose of these articles we will concentrate on Cognitive learning wherein the learner uses the mind to imbibe new knowledge. Most of our academic learning is of this type.
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