Understanding Learning
Understanding Learning
A) Process of Learning – Concept, Types, Factors, Learning Curves
Definition of Learning (NCERT): Permanent change in behaviour because of experience
Types of Learning (Gagné): Signal → Stimulus-Response → Motor → Verbal → Concept → Rule → Problem Solving → Attitude
| Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Gagné 8 Types | Signal learning (bell rings → stand up), S-R (rote memory), Chaining (riding cycle), Concept (understanding ‘democracy’) |
| Thorndike | Trial & Error |
| Pavlov | Classical conditioning |
| Skinner | Operant conditioning |
| Kohler | Insight learning |
Factors Influencing Learning
– Learner: Maturation, Motivation, Intelligence, Health
– Teacher: Clarity, Method, Reinforcement
– Environment: Noise-free, Proper light, Seating (RTE 2009 & NCF 2005)
Learning Curves
– Positive acceleration (slow → fast)
– Negative acceleration (fast → slow)
– Plateau (no progress – common in long practice)
Learning Process: Attention, Sensation, Perception, Concept Formation
| Stage | Meaning | Classroom Example |
|---|---|---|
| Attention | Focusing mind | Teacher uses chart → students look |
| Sensation | Sense organs receive stimulus | Seeing picture, hearing voice |
| Perception | Making meaning of sensation | Recognising it is “Mango” picture |
| Concept Formation | Grouping similar objects | All fruits → Fruit concept |
Memory & Forgetting: Types, Strategies, Retention
Types of Memory
– Sensory (few seconds)
– Short-term (20–30 seconds)
– Long-term (permanent)
Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve (1885): Fast forgetting in first hour → then slow
Strategies for Better Memory
– Spaced revision
– Mnemonics (VIBGYOR)
– Chunking (phone number 9876-54-3210)
– Over-learning
Retention Tips (Indian Exams): SQ3R method (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review)
Transfer of Learning: Concept, Theories, Types (Horizontal & Vertical)
Definition: Effect of previous learning on new learning
| Type | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | Helps new learning | Cycle riding → bike riding |
| Negative | Hinders | Hindi spelling → English spelling confusion |
| Zero | No effect | History → Maths |
| Horizontal | Same level | Class 6 Maths → Class 6 Science |
| Vertical | Lower to higher | Class 5 Maths → Class 6 Maths |
Role of Motivation in Learning & Methods to Improve
Types: Intrinsic (inside interest) – Best
Extrinsic (rewards, marks)
Ways to Increase Motivation (NCF 2005)
– Praise & encouragement
– Star charts, smiley
– Relate to real life
– Give small responsibilities
B) Trial and Error Learning – Thorndike, Laws, Classroom Use
Thorndike Experiment: Cat in puzzle box (1898–1901)
Three Main Laws
– Law of Effect (reward → repeat, punishment → stop)
– Law of Exercise (practice makes perfect)
– Law of Readiness (willing mind learns fast)
Classroom Implications
– Give immediate feedback
– Use rewards (good, star)
– Do not punish too much
Classical Conditioning – Pavlov
Pavlov Experiment (1927): Dog → bell + food → saliva → bell alone → saliva
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS) | Food |
| Unconditioned Response (UCR) | Saliva |
| Conditioned Stimulus (CS) | Bell |
| Conditioned Response (CR) | Saliva on bell |
Classroom Use: School bell → students stand (conditioned)
Operant Conditioning – Skinner
Skinner Box (1930s): Rat presses lever → food pellet
Reinforcements
– Positive (give good thing – praise)
– Negative (remove bad thing – no homework)
Punishments
– Positive punishment (scolding)
– Negative punishment (take away play time)
Classroom: Smile, star, extra marks – best tools
Comparison of Behaviourist Theories
| Theory | Focus | Best for | Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trial & Error (Thorndike) | Law of Effect | Skill learning | Slow process |
| Classical (Pavlov) | Emotions, habits | Classroom discipline | Cannot teach new things |
| Operant (Skinner) | Reinforcement | Classroom management | Ignores thinking |
C) Cognitive Perspectives – Insight, Discovery, Piaget, Bandura, Vygotsky
Insight Learning – Kohler (1925): Chimpanzee joins sticks → sudden understanding
Discovery Learning – Bruner (1960): Student finds answer himself
Piaget Stages: Sensorimotor → Pre-operational → Concrete → Formal
Social Learning – Bandura (1977): Bobo doll → children copy adults
Constructivism – Vygotsky: ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development), Scaffolding, MKO (More Knowledgeable Other – teacher)
Humanist Perspective – Carl Rogers
Rogers (1951): Student-centred, teacher as facilitator
Conditions for Learning
– Genuine teacher
– Acceptance (no judgement)
– Empathetic understanding
NCF 2005 & NEP 2020: Child-centred, joyful learning