LEARNING

Arti Pandey

Meaning and Definition of

Learning
Learning may be defined as the sum
total of behavioral changes resulting
from new knowledge or skills acquired
through evaluation, study, experience,
training and innovation. The newly
acquired knowledge and experience
serve as feedback to the individual and
provide the basis for future behaviour
in similar situations.

Contd
According to Martyn Sloman,
Learning is the process by which a
person constructs knowledge, skills
and capabilities.
According
to
E.
R.
Hilgard,
Learning is a relatively permanent
change in behaviour that occurs as a
result of prior experience.

Characteristics of Learning

Learning is Growth
Learning is Adjustment
Learning is Organizing Experience
Learning Involves Acquisition of
Knowledge and Skills.
Learning is a Process of Conditioning
Learning Involves Changes
Learning is Continuous
Learning is Transferable

Theories of Learning

Behavioral
Theory

Classical
Conditioning
Theory

Social Learning
Theory

Operant
Conditioning

Cognitive Learning
Theory

Connectionist Learning
Theory
Classical Conditioning:
In classical conditioning theory an
individual responds to some stimulus that
would not ordinarily produce such a
response. Ivan Pavlov, a Russian physiologist
conducted experiments to teach dogs to
salivate in response to the ringing of a bell.

Operant Conditioning:

Operant Conditioning is a type of

conditioning in which desired voluntary
behaviour leads to a reward or prevents a
punishment. People learn to behave to get
something they want or to avoid
something they do not want. Operant
behaviour means voluntary or learned
behaviour in contrast
to reflexive or
unlearned behaviour.

contd
The Harvard psychologist B. F. Skinner did
research for operant conditioning, Skinner
argued
that
creating
pleasing
consequences to follow specific forms of
behaviour would increase the frequency of
that behaviour.

Social Learning Theory

Social learning theory can be broadly
understood as a social behavioral
approach that emphasizes the reciprocal
interaction between cognitive , behavioral
and environmental determinants of
human behaviour. Social learning theory,
also called observational learning, occurs
when an observers behaviour changes
after viewing the behaviour of a model.

contd
The social learning theory of Bandura
emphasizes the importance of observing
and modeling the behaviors, attitudes, and
emotional reactions of others. According to
Bandura, Learning would be exceedingly
laborious, not to mention hazardous, if
people had to rely solely on the effects of
their own actions to inform them what to
do.

Developing an
Integrated Approach of
Learning in Training
Programme

Need for Integrated Approach to

Learning in Training

Training
is
essentially
a
learning process. In a training
programme, learning is complex,
multi dimensional process. To
further compound the situation,
there are many players in the
process- the trainees, trainers,
support staff, etc.

Key Attributes of Learning Process in

Training Programme
1. Learning is a Product of Collaboration.
2. Learning Process is Unique to an
Individual.
3. Learning is an Evolutionary Process
4. Learning has Intellectual and Emotional
Elements.
5. Learning does not Progress at a Uniform
Pace.
6. Learning also Take Place at the
Subconscious Level.

Methods of Learning in Training

Programme
1. Direct Inputs by the Trainers
2. Learning through Sharing within
Training Group.
3. Learning through Practice and
Exercise
4. Formal and Informal Methods of
Observations
5. Out of Session Exchange with
Participants and Trainers.