understanding learning

There are many definitions of learning, so we are selecting just one as a starting point:

"We believe that learning is a process of active engagement with experience. It is what people do when they want to make sense of the world. It may involve an increase in skills, knowledge, understanding, values or the capacity to reflect. Effective learning will lead to change, development and a desire to learn more." Bill Lucas, Campaign for Learning, UK

The old view of learning - or training - was the red 'L' plate or water-wings stage. You could not do it, then you were trained and then you could do it.

Suggesting training to someone who was working was seen as a criticism of their ability. Training was seen as remedial. We were trained in things we were not good enough at already.

Now learning is seen as developmental. We are as likely to be learning in order to develop our strengths as to strengthen weaknesses.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Lifelong Learning are both a recognition that learning goes on and on. That learning is not just the 'L' plates or water-wings stage, but that we all can go on learning throughout our lives.

articles on understanding learning

The sections and articles listed below allow you to explore what we mean by learning and learning to learn, some of the new thinking about how our brains work and multiple intelligences, understanding your learning style or how you learn best which includes a research deal allowing you free access to a learning styles questionnaire, a case study that covers learning styles and neuro-linguistic programming and sources of further information on learning from websites and books.

Please click on the titles to read the articles.