Understanding Learning: Theories, Types, and Strategies
Understanding Learning
Definition
The definition of learning is complex, with many different points of view. It can be defined as a process by which a new behavior is acquired, an old behavior is modified, or a behavior is extinguished as a result of experience or practice. Learning is how living creatures adapt to survive environmental changes. Maturation is required to learn and adapt to the environment appropriately.
Theories of Learning
There are two main theories of learning:
- Behavioral theory
- Cognitive theory
Behavioral theory posits that instinctive behaviors are few and that most subsequent behaviors are learned. This theory primarily studies learning through conditioning.
Behavioral Theory
Within behavioral theory, there are two complementary theories:
- Classical conditioning
- Operant conditioning
Classical Conditioning
Classical conditioning is learning through interaction with the environment. It follows the pattern:
Stimulus → Response
When a response is negative, it is usually not repeated, and vice versa. We learn by trial and error, according to which we will have one response or another. This theory does not delve into the internal processes of the individual, focusing solely on identifying stimuli.
There are two types of stimuli:
- Incentives by chance
- Incentives for conditioning
Operant Conditioning
Skinner emphasized that individuals are not merely encouraged but also operators, meaning that behaviors are not solely driven by chance. Operant conditioning involves feedback, where responses are analyzed, and habits are formed based on repeated behaviors deemed appropriate.
Positive and negative reinforcements are crucial in operant conditioning:
- Positive reinforcement: Rewarding desired behavior (reinforcement for each behavior). Positive reinforcement is generally more effective.
- Negative reinforcement: Punishment or omission of a reward (used only in exceptional cases).
Rewards are more effective when given intermittently, rather than every time a desired behavior is performed. Categorization is important, and consistency is key to success.
Laws of Learning
Several laws have been derived from these theories:
- Law of Habituation: When a repeated positive behavior becomes a habit, it leads to better adaptation to the environment.
- Law of Effect: If a positive response continues, it will be repeated.
- Law of Conditioning: Behaviors can be modified, acquired, and eliminated by conditioning stimuli or responses.
- Law of Generalization: Reinforced behavior can be generalized to other similar situations.
Cognitive Theory
Cognitive theory suggests that learning is not only produced by external stimuli or responses but also by internal cognitive processes. Before a stimulus, individuals process information differently based on their unique cognitive maps. People receive, assimilate, and integrate information into their existing cognitive frameworks.
Piaget viewed learning as a maturation process where the nervous system matures in response to stimuli, organizing our cognitive maps. This physical and mental maturity constitutes learning.
Ausubel introduced the concept of meaningful learning, proposing that we only learn things that have meaning to us. Information without personal significance is not retained.
Vygotsky, aligning with Piaget, emphasized that learning is not individual but social, occurring through imitation, social internalization, and interaction within a group.
Types of Learning
- Innate learning: Instincts, reflexes, and genetic drives that are inherited and influence our learning. Interaction with the environment is still necessary.
- Conditioning: Certain stimuli elicit specific responses. If a stimulus, whether by chance or not, causes a condition, it becomes a reflected and initial behavior, eventually forming a habit.
- Imitation or modeling: Many behaviors are learned through imitating significant individuals who serve as role models.
- Rote learning: Academic learning where the content may not be fully understood. Traditional rote learning often leads to forgetting information after a few hours.
- Meaningful learning: Learning things that are personally significant, leading to deeper understanding and retention.
Motivation and Learning
Motivation, derived from the word “move,” is the engine of our actions and behaviors. It can be defined as the internal drive that encourages or maintains a behavior. Motivation is sustained by necessity.
Impulses, instincts, or internal needs motivate us to act in certain ways. We learn what we need and what motivates us to learn.
- Primary motivation: Physiological needs that are necessary.
- Personal motivation: Individual drives that vary based on personality.
Each person is motivated by different things depending on their personality.
Learning Strategies
Learning to learn involves various strategies:
- Behavioral strategies: Using rewards, songs, or omissions. Physical methods to eliminate bad behavior, such as biofeedback techniques, can modify inappropriate behaviors from the outside.
- Eastern strategies: Techniques like relaxation, meditation, yoga, and tai chi, which focus on body control to improve overall well-being and enhance learning.
- Cognitive strategies: Allocation and control of thought to avoid irrational thinking. This includes controlling anxiety and focusing on the importance of learning rather than grades.
Exercises to improve attention and observation:
- Knowledge synthesis: Summarizing mentally or in writing.
- Prevention of helplessness: Encouraging individuals to believe they can learn, as pessimism can hinder progress.