Concept of Learning
November 14, 2008
Abstract
Learning is a theoretical concept. Learning can only be observed by others through performance of an individual. Learning also entails a permanent change in an individual’s behavioral performance. Of course, there may be fluctuations in functioning and this may be due to illness, fatigue, drug/alcohol or some other environmental issue such as temperature. But in the absence of such eventualities the individual’s performance should be consistent.
Man is learning all of the time; indeed, it’s man’s capacity to learn constantly that distinguishes him from other animals. Learning is not unique to human being’s; animals learn too and the closer to man they are in evolutionary terms, the greater their capacity in learning terms.
From the beginning of man’s earliest days, man is learning. Initially learning basic skills such as how to control body movements and how to interpret information received through man’s senses. But as the child becomes more competent the child's knowledge of the world becomes more sophisticated and the child's ability to deal with situations develops throughout childhood. What applies to social skills and physical (coordination skills) which are essential in forming effective human action. Humans are born exceptionally prepared to learn and the important characteristics of how man responds to what is around people encourage learning.
The infant’s sociability means that other human interaction is a fundamental factor in the infant’s formative learning and this is closely associated with the ability to adapt. The human infant has a remarkable level of adaptability. Babies are able to adjust and adapt to a vast range of environments, such as child rearing methods and even diets.
A good quality of social interaction coupled with adequate physical care enables the infant to adapt and develop. What factor makes it possible for man to live successfully in almost every part...