What is learning? Explain concept and nature of learning.
Introduction
Learning is an interaction wherein when any situation acts upon the learner, he reacts and modifies his behavior. Eg. A child touches the flame of a candle, and immediately withdraws his hand. He has learnt how it feels to get scalded.
Definition of Learning
Munn – “To learn is to modify behavior and experience.”.
Skinner – “Learning is a process of progressive behavior adaptation”.
Nature of learning / Concept of learning / Characteristics of learning
- Learning is a lifelong continuous process from womb to tomb.
- Learning is universal – Applies to human beings as well as animals with man learning in a more rational way.
- Learning is permanent change in behavior – we now know something that we did not know before. Eg. Swimming.
- Learning is development – For better or for worse, for right or for wrong. Eg. Use of science for development or for destruction.
- Learning is adjustment – Individual adjusts or adapts himself to the new thought or process or environment.
- Learning is purposeful and goal oriented. Eg. Learning a foreign language with interest leads to more successful learning.
- Learning is made more effective through pre-planning and practice. Eg. Multiplication tables.
- Learning needs motivation and encouragement.
- Learning depends on maturation. Eg. A physiologically healthy child will learn faster and more effectively.
- Learning is related to intelligence – An intelligent child will learn faster than a child who is slow and casual.
- Learning has a wide scope.
- Involuntary physical responses to stimulus cannot be termed as learning – Eg. Blinking at bright light.
- Learning improves with repetition.
