Unit 1: Learning Psychology | Learning Psychology | Bicte Note | Third Semester

 Unit 1

Learning Psychology 

1.1.    Meaning, definition and characteristics of learning 

Learning can be defined as a relatively permanent change in behavior or knowledge that results from experience. It involves acquiring new information, knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values, and applying them to different situations.

The characteristics of learning include:

1. Active process: Learning is an active process that involves the learner actively engaging with the material, rather than simply receiving information passively.

2. Continuous: Learning is a continuous process that occurs throughout life, as individuals encounter new experiences and challenges.

3. Personal: Learning is a personal process that is influenced by individual differences in motivation, interests, and learning styles.

4. Social: Learning can also be a social process that occurs through interactions with others, such as peers, teachers, and mentors.

5. Contextual: Learning is contextual, meaning that it is influenced by the environment in which it occurs, including the physical, social, and cultural context.

6. Complex: Learning is a complex process that involves multiple cognitive and emotional processes, including attention, memory, motivation, and metacognition.

7. Goal-oriented: Learning is often goal-oriented, with learners striving to achieve specific objectives or outcomes.

8. Feedback-driven: Feedback is an important part of the learning process, helping learners to evaluate their performance, identify areas for improvement, and make adjustments to their approach.

Overall, learning is a complex, dynamic, and multifaceted process that is influenced by a range of internal and external factors, and can lead to significant changes in behavior, knowledge, and understanding.

1.2.     Philosophical foundations of Learning Theories

Learning theories are based on philosophical assumptions about the nature of learning and the role of the learner in the learning process. These philosophical assumptions can be grouped into several categories:

1. Metaphysics: This is a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of reality. Learning theories based on a metaphysical perspective tend to focus on whether knowledge is objective or subjective, and whether it exists independently of the learner or is constructed by the learner.

2. Epistemology: This is a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of knowledge. Learning theories based on an epistemological perspective tend to focus on how knowledge is acquired, what types of knowledge exist, and how knowledge is organized and represented.

3. Axiology: This is a branch of philosophy that deals with values and ethics. Learning theories based on an axiological perspective tend to focus on what is worth knowing, what is valuable or desirable knowledge, and what ethical considerations are involved in the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge.

4. Logic: This is a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of reasoning and argumentation. Learning theories based on a logical perspective tend to focus on how learners make sense of information, how they draw conclusions, and how they construct arguments and explanations.

Some of the major philosophical foundations of learning theories include:

1. Empiricism: This is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the role of experience and observation in acquiring knowledge. Empiricist learning theories, such as behaviorism, emphasize the role of external stimuli in shaping behavior and learning.

2. Rationalism: This is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the role of reason and logic in acquiring knowledge. Rationalist learning theories, such as cognitivism, emphasize the role of internal mental processes in learning.

3. Pragmatism: This is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the practical application of knowledge. Pragmatist learning theories, such as constructivism, emphasize the role of active participation and social interaction in learning.

4. Cognitivism: Cognitivism is a learning theory that emphasizes the role of internal mental processes, such as memory, attention, and thinking, in learning. It is based on the philosophical foundation of rationalism, which emphasizes the role of reason and logic in acquiring knowledge.