A Definition of Learning by Jeff Cobb Given that Mission to Learn is a blog about lifelong learning, it seems only appropriate

that I offer up a definition of learning as I see it. So heres my definition: Learning is the lifelong process of transforming information and experience into knowledge, skills, behaviors, and attitudes. I might add to that: It is not dependent upon classes and courses though these can be very useful tools for learning It does not require a degree, certificate, or grade to prove its worth though clearly these have social value that most people would be unwise to ignore It does require in varying degrees, and in varying times and circumstances activities like practice, reflection, interaction with the environment (in the broadest sense), and social interaction. The latter, in particular, can be greatly facilitated by the range of new technologies for communication and collaboration now available to us. It does not always probably not even most of the time happen consciously though I think that those who strive for a more conscious approach to learning throughout their lives whether at work or otherwise tend to be more successful in pretty much whatever way they define success. I think that pretty well sums up the view of learning that drives my efforts here at Mission to Learn. What do you think? Does this capture your view of learning? What would you add or take away? Please comment and share your thoughts on how to define learning. learning [ln] n 1. knowledge gained by study; instruction or scholarship 2. the act of gaining knowledge 3. (Psychology) Psychol any relatively permanent change in behaviour that occurs as a direct result of experience didactics the art or science of teaching. pedagogy, paedagogy 1. the function or work of a teacher; teaching. 2. the art or method of teaching; pedagogics. Noun1.learning - the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge; "the child's acquisition of language" acquisition basic cognitive process - cognitive processes involved in obtaining and storing knowledge conditioning - a learning process in which an organism's behavior becomes dependent on the occurrence of a stimulus in its environment developmental learning - learning that takes place as a normal part of cognitive development education - the gradual process of acquiring knowledge; "education is a preparation for life"; "a girl's education was less important than a boy's" imprinting - a learning process in early life whereby species specific patterns of behavior are established language learning - learning to use a language committal to memory, memorisation, memorization - learning so as to be able to remember verbatim; "the actor's memorization of his lines" study, work - applying the mind to learning and understanding a subject (especially by reading); "mastering a second language requires a lot of work"; "no schools offer graduate study in interior design" 2.learning - profound scholarly knowledge education - knowledge acquired by learning and instruction; "it was clear that he had a very broad education" letters - scholarly attainment; "he is a man of letters" Learning is acquiring new, or modifying existing, knowledge, behaviors, skills, values, or preferences and may involve synthesizing different types of information. The ability to learn is possessed by humans, animals and some machines. Progress over time tends to follow learning curves. Learning is not compulsory, it is contextual. It does not happen all at once, but builds upon and is shaped by what we already know. To that end, learning may be viewed as a process,rather than a collection of factual and procedural knowledge. Human learning may occur as part of education, personal development, schooling, or training. It may be goal-oriented and may be aided by motivation. The study of how learning occurs is part of neuropsychology, educational psychology, learning theory, and pedagogy. Learning may occur as a result of habituation or classical conditioning, seen in many animal species, or as a result of more complex activities such as play, seen only in relatively intelligent animals.[1][2] Learning may occur consciously or without conscious awareness. There is evidence for human behavioral learning prenatally, in which habituation has been observed as early as 32 weeks into gestation, indicating that the central nervous system is sufficiently developed and primed for learning and memory to occur very early on in development.[3] Play has been approached by several theorists as the first form of learning. Children play, experiment with the world, learn the rules, and learn to interact. Vygotsky agrees that play is pivotal for children's development, since they make meaning of their environment through play. The context of conversation based on moral reasoning offers some proper observations on the responsibilities of parents. [4] Definitions and perspectives of learning: Two definitions of learning: Behaviorist: Learning is a relatively permanent change in behavior due to experience. This refers to a change in behavior, an external change that we can observe. Cognitive: Learning is a relatively permanent change in mental associations due to experience. This definition focuses on a change in mental associations, an internal change that we cannot observe. teaching - the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill; "he received no formal education"; "our instruction was carefully programmed"; "good classroom teaching is seldom rewarded" didactics, education, educational activity, instruction, pedagogy activity - any specific behavior; "they avoided all recreational activity" education - the profession of teaching (especially at a school or college or university) classroom project - a school task requiring considerable effort classwork - the part of a student's work that is done in the classroom homework, prep, preparation - preparatory school work done outside school (especially at home) lesson - a task assigned for individual study; "he did the lesson for today"

coeducation - education of men and women in the same institutions continuing education - a program of instruction designed primarily for adult students who participate part-time course, course of instruction, course of study, class - education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings; "he took a course in basket weaving"; "flirting is not unknown in college classes" elementary education - education in elementary subjects (reading and writing and arithmetic) provided to young students at a grade school extension service, university extension, extension - an educational opportunity provided by colleges and universities to people who are not enrolled as regular students extracurricular activity - educational activities not falling within the scope of the regular curriculum higher education - education provided by a college or university secondary education - education beyond the elementary grades; provided by a high school or college preparatory school team teaching - a method of coordinated classroom teaching involving a team of teachers working together with a single group of students work-study program - an educational plan in which students alternate between paid employment and formal study education - the gradual process of acquiring knowledge; "education is a preparation for life"; "a girl's education was less important than a boy's" academic program - (education) a program of education in liberal arts and sciences (usually in preparation for higher education)