Learning Theory and Education



Abstract

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the learning theory and education that that how learning theory is reflected in educational standards. It also discussed that how knowledge of a specific theory of learning can be used to improve student learning. Education is a constantly evolving field of knowledge, and a modern educator must be equipped to adapt through changing educational research with national and local standards. The teacher works for engaging the students in the growth of learning along with their existing knowledge, and intellectual maturity. Students learn better if the content of learning is delivered to them in a visual form, while others may respond differently to the auditory cues. There are various effects that are meaningful learning such as practice effects, transfer effects, interference effects, organization effects and abstraction effects. It is analyzed that specific theory of learning must be made and implemented when teachers plan their lessons, so as to ensure that instruction is aligned with a teacher's understanding of how learning takes place.

Learning Theory and Education

Introduction

Learning is a behavior that people are indulged in, ever since they were born. It refers to acquiring, reinforcing or modifying the current behaviors, knowledge and skills, preferences and values. All these may include synthesizing of various types of information in which humans and animals have the ability to learn and develop their minds through learning and doing. As humans learn more, they develop new skills and learning curves (Siemens, 2005). Learning is contextual, but not as compulsory, and it does not happen all of a sudden, it takes time to be built upon and shape up. Keeping this trend in mind, learning can also be viewed as more of a process, rather than just a collection of knowledge and facts. Changes are produced through learning, and these changes are of permanent in nature. “Learning in humans may be seen as an essential part of personal development, education, training and schooling” (Morse et al., 2008).

This study highlights the specific theory of learning that is reflected in educational standards. It also discussed that how knowledge of a specific theory of learning can be used to improve student learning.

Meaningful learning pertains to a way of learning which is against the concept of rote learning. In this learning, obtaining of new knowledge is linked with the acquisition of the previous one. Within the theory of meaningful cognitive theory, there are three processes:

How knowledge develops;

How the new knowledge is inter-linked with the current knowledge; and

How this knowledge gets automated (Siemens, 2005).

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning must start by considering the various complexities of the human brain. The abilities and the power of processing information in the various parts of the brain cause learning experiences which are different for each student. Thus, it results unique abilities to retain that prevails among the other students. Learning simply evolves to display the growth from childhood learning into an active learning as human develop ...