(ITP-12) Concept and Types of learning
Introduction:
Definition: Learning
is relatively permanent change in behaviour due to practice and experience
Learning refers to the process by which individuals
acquire new knowledge, skills, or behaviors through experiences, observations,
or interactions with their environment. In psychology, learning is studied as a
complex process that involves cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes.
Learning by Observation:
Understanding How We Learn by Watching Others
Observational Learning in Childhood:
Children learn by observing their surroundings and the
behaviors of others around them. They can learn positive behaviors such as
sharing and politeness, as well as negative behaviors such as aggression and
violence.
Observational Learning and the Bobo doll Experiment:
In 1961, psychologist Albert Bandura conducted the famous
Bobo doll experiment to demonstrate the power of observational learning. Children
who observed an adult model behaving aggressively towards a Bobo doll were more
likely to imitate the behavior than those who didn't observe it.
Four Processes that Impact Observational Learning:
- Attention:
Learners must pay attention to the behavior being modeled.
- Retention:
Learners must remember the behavior they observed.
- Reproduction:
Learners must have the physical and mental ability to reproduce the
behavior.
- Motivation:
Learners must have the desire or motivation to reproduce the behavior.
Imitation:
Imitation is the act of replicating a behavior observed
in another person. It is a basic form of learning that allows individuals to
acquire new skills and knowledge.
What is a Model?
- A
model is the person or object whose behavior is being observed and
imitated.
- The
model can be anyone, such as a parent, teacher, friend, or celebrity.
Modeling:
Modeling is the process of demonstrating or showing a
behavior for someone else to observe and learn from. It is an effective way of
teaching new behaviors and skills.
Difference between Imitation and
Modeling:
- Imitation
is the act of copying a behavior observed in another person.
- Modeling
is the process of demonstrating a behavior for someone else to observe and
learn from.
Learning by Trial and Error: Understanding the Process of
Learning Through Experimentation
Introduction:
Trial and error is a fundamental process of learning
through experimentation. It involves trying various methods or approaches until
a desired outcome is achieved.
Definition:
- Learning
by trial and error is the process of learning from one's mistakes and
successes.
Thorndike's Trial and Error Theory:
Edward Thorndike was a psychologist who proposed the
trial and error theory of learning. According to this theory, learning is a
gradual process of trial and error that occurs through repeated practice and
experience.
The Laws of Learning:
- Thorndike
identified three laws of learning that explain how trial and error leads
to the acquisition of new behaviors and skills.
- Law
of Effect:
The Law of Effect states
that behaviors that lead to positive consequences are more likely to be
repeated in the future, while behaviors that lead to negative consequences are
less likely to be repeated. Positive consequences are referred to as
"satisfiers," while negative consequences are referred to as
"annoyers." For example, if a student receives praise and a good
grade for studying hard, they are more likely to continue studying in the
future.
- Law
of Exercise:
The Law of Exercise states
that the more a behavior is practiced, the stronger it becomes. This law emphasizes
the importance of repetition and practice in the learning process. For example,
the more a musician practices their instrument, the better they become.
- Law
of Readiness:
The Law of Readiness states
that individuals are more likely to learn when they are ready and motivated to
do so. This law emphasizes the importance of being mentally and physically
prepared to learn. For example, a student who is well-rested and motivated is
more likely to perform well on an exam.
Learning by Cognition: Understanding How We Learn through Mental
Processes
Learning by Cognition is a process of acquiring new
knowledge or skills by identifying, analyzing, and solving problems. In this individual
solve the problem by its own thinking processes.
Learning by Insight and the Kohler Experiment:
Wolfgang Köhler, a Gestalt psychologist, conducted an
experiment with a chimpanzee named Sultan. Sultan was given two short sticks to
retrieve a banana placed outside his cage. After trying unsuccessfully, Sultan
accidentally joined the two sticks and was able to retrieve the banana. In
subsequent attempts, Sultan solved the problem immediately by joining the two
sticks. This experiment demonstrated the use of insight learning
Problem Solving:
Problem solving is a key component of learning by
cognition and involves the use of cognitive processes to identify and solve
problems.
Components of Cognitive Learning:
There are several fundamental aspects of cognitive
learning that are important to understand.
Comprehension: Comprehension
involves understanding the meaning and significance of new information or
concepts.
Memory: Memory
involves the ability to store and retrieve information over time. This type of
learning is critical for retaining new information and using it in
problem-solving.
Application: Application involves the ability to use
new knowledge or skills in practical situations. This type of learning requires
the ability to transfer knowledge from one situation to another and apply it in
new and different ways.
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