I do not think I have a firm definition of learning, but I have a few things that I know to be true about learning. Everyone has the capacity to learn. As a special ed teacher I know this to be true. Learning can be achieved in a variety of different ways, through life experiences, direct instruction, trial and error, conditioning, etc.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
What is learning?
What is learning? That sounds like a simple question. If you asked me that a couple years ago, I might have been satisfied in coming up with a simple answer. After taking some Instructional Technology courses, and while raising small children my perceptions have changed. Learning is the processes of gaining knowledge, learning is a change in behavior, learning is the changing of attitude, learning is acquiring knowledge or opinions through lifes experience. Learning can be defined in so many ways. I am amazed at my daughter Madelyn (almost 4), she will only wear pink and purple. I certainly did not teach her to wear pink and purple, she had access to playing with dolls and toy tractors since she was a baby. How did she learn this, who taught her this? I think if I tried to teach her to love the color yellow, everyday, I would fail. In contrast, I have been trying to teach her how to write the letter M for months now, we have tracing paper, and have practiced. Through much practice she is getting better. I guess these scenarios point out that learning takes many forms.
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First, I want to tell you congratulations on the beautiful baby. I enjoyed your story about your daughter only liking the colors pink and purple. I think that is just part of her personality.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that everyone has the capacity to learn. I have a special needs daughter who is now 31 years old. When she was in school that spent much time trying to teach her to read with little success, yet she is able to listen and pick up information very quickly. I wonder what she might have learned in school if they would have lectured to her about various topics instead of trying to teach her to read. Sometimes I think we have to work with what we have instead of trying to fit everyone in one category. Good luck this summer.