Defining Learning

Recently I read the definition of learning from Dale Schunk which states, “Learning is an enduring change in behavior, or the capacity to behave in a given fashion, which results from practice or other forms of experience.”

Hence the three criteria for learning are: learning involves change, learning endures over time and learning occurs through experience.

People learn when they become capable of doing something differently and at the same time, we remember that learning is inferential. We do not observe learning directly only by outcomes or its products. Learning is assessed based on what people write, say, or do. It also involves a capacity to behave in a way such that people demonstrated their skills, knowledge, behavior, and beliefs at the time learning occurs. Hence learning involves change.

The second criteria of learning are that this does not occur all the time, as we tend to forget. It is argued that changes in our behavior for a short period might not result in learning. Hence our temporary activities might not result in learning. We therefore need to endure learning to be able to make it permanent in our behavior.

The third criteria for learning are primarily determined by heredity, such as maturational changes. The distinction between maturation and learning is not defined. People may be genetically predisposed to act in given ways, but the actual development of the behavior depends on the environment. Language is a good example. As our vocal voice matures, it becomes able to produce language. The actual words produced are learnt from interactions with others. Although genetics are critical in children’s language acquisition; teaching and social interactions exert strong influence.

These three criteria for learning reminds me of the verse in Psalms 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go: I will counsel you with my loving eye on you”

This is so assuring that we have a great teacher who guides us to learn what is true about how we see the world around us and feel for those who need to learn from us. God bless!