But let me address the larger perspective. Learning is something you already do automatically. I mean that you do it without thinking, as a natural process. But also that you haven’t thought about or tried to improve it. You are using learning right out of the box.
You already do it well but learning can be improved. You can do it better. We all can do better. We are born with many systems that are fully operational right out of the box. Some take years to develop but overall we do a great job with our basis set of tools. The reason learning matters is that we can do better than that. With a little bit of knowledge, we can improve our lives and those of others around us.
The technical definition of learning usually includes a statement about acquired knowledge or skills, a statement about it’s being semi-permanent (you can forget), and a statement about being caused by experience or training.
Some say it is practice that causes a relative permanent change in behavior. Others point out that it is a process more than a product. All definitions include something about acquiring new things but few include that you incorporate that new knowledge or skill into you existing structures. Learning is not independent. It’s interactive.
Learning doesn’t require effort. At least, it doesn’t always require effort. If I tell you that George Washington’s middle name was Clyde, you might well remember that without effort. It doesn’t matter that it’s not true (they had so few people they didn’t need to have middle names). It only matters that some things seem to stick and others don’t.
This is one of the things you know about learning: sometimes it is easy, sometimes it requires effort.
Another thing you already know is that less is easier to learn than more. This is an obvious truth. A short list is better than a long list.
In addition to varying in difficulty and length, you know that learning often include repetition. When you need to put in effort you usually start with repetition. It doesn’t always work. Repetition helps some things, sometimes, somewhat. You may know there are other things involved in learning than just practice. You may not know all of the factors that are important but you are aware that practice makes perfect, somewhat.
Obviously, thinking is hard work. Your brain uses about 25% of your daily caloric intake. It is working hard. Studying makes you tired, practicing makes you tired and writing a screenplay makes you tired. It doesn’t seem physical but learning is an active process of work.
Here is a catalog style description of the course:
Review of major theories, research findings and current trends in learning. Topics include schema, mental representations, classical conditioning and behavioral modification. Special attention is given to the neuroscience of learning and how learning theories can be applied to training and education.
Here is what it really means:
The emphasis is on theories, not practical applications.
In my view, there are only three things you can learn: facts, concepts and behaviors. Everything can be categorized into one of those three baskets. Each emphasizes a different part of the brain. Each has it’s own best approach.
Three Things You Can Be Learned
Want to jump ahead?
- What Is Learning
- 3 Things You Can Learn
- How To Learn Facts
- How To Learn Concepts
- How To Learn Behaviors
- How Learning Changes The Brain
- Study Skills
- Ten Top Tips
- Adult Learning
- Training
- Synthesis
Resources
- Notes
- Terms
- Quiz
Book
Summary
Bonus
Credit: Photo by Matteo Vistocco on Unsplash
