Learning

Definitions of Learning

 “Learning is a relatively permanent change in behaviour that occurs

as a result of experienced or reinforced practice.”
-B.R. Hilgrad
 “Learning has taken place if individual behaves, reacts, responds as
a result of experience in a manner different from the way he
formerly behaved.”
-W. McGehee
 “Learning is any permanent change in the behaviour of a person
that occurs as a result of experience.”
-S.P. Robbins
Features of learning

It involves a change

Change should be permanent
Change should occur as a result of experience
The experience must be reinforced in order for learning to
occur
Learning should be reflected in behaviour
Principles of Learning

Trainee must be motivated to learn

Information must be meaningful
Learning must be reinforced
Organization of material
Feedback on learning
Learning Theories

Classical conditioning theory

Cognitive learning theory
Operant conditioning theory
Social learning theory
Classical Conditioning Theory

Given by Pavlov and Watson

It deals with the association of one event
with another desired event resulting in a
desired behaviour or learning.
Cognitive Learning Theory

 Cognition refers to the individual’s thoughts, feelings, ideas,

knowledge and understanding about himself and the environment.
Thus, an organism applies this cognition in learning which results in
not merely the response to a stimulus, but the application of internal
image of the external environment, so as to accomplish the goal.
 Thus, cognitive learning theory is based on the cognitive model of
human behavior, i.e. it emphasizes on the free will and positive
aspects of human behavior.

Operant Conditioning
Given by B.F Skinner
Operant is defined as behaviour that produces
effects.
It is based on the premise that behaviour is a
function of its consequences.
Relationship between behaviour and
consequences is the essence of operant
conditioning theory.
Self Efficacy/Social Cognitive/Social learning
Theory

 Self-efficacy refers to an individual’s belief that he or she is capable

of performing a task.
 The higher your self-efficacy, the more confidence you have in your
ability to succeed. So, in difficult situations, people with low self-
efficacy are more likely to lessen their effort or give up altogether,
while those with high self-efficacy will try harder to master the
challenge.
Increasing Self Efficacy

1. Enactive mastery.

2. Vicarious modeling.
3. Verbal persuasion.
4. Arousal.