What is learning Sept. 21

    What is learning?    Learning is acquiring a new skill, knowledge, or information.  We read about meaningful learning which essentially means activating prior knowledge, although it encompasses more.    A learner who can apply prior knowledge or skill to a new concept or task is able to learn the new more quickly, and with stronger attachment, or interest.   For example, one of the major reading strategies is to compare text to self (the learner): one of my favorites.   This strategy requires the learner to compare his or her personal experiences or knowledge to whatever he/she is reading.  This creates a personal connection to the text helping the learner first, know what the text is about, and second, have an emotional connection to it.  Even if the connection is negative, the learner will remember the text.    Which leads me to say: is learning simply connecting to and remembering information? Could be.

     The teacher/trainer best effectuates learning in this situation by setting the stage for the learner.  The teacher activates the prior knowledge through comparison of the old and new information, then sets back and allows the learner to make the actual connections.   The teacher can check what the student is learning by conversing with the student, observing work as the learner does it, student presentation, and students' informal comments.  The teacher leads the student in a particular direction then allows the student to take the path and see what happens.  The teacher can let the student know where he/she wanted him to go but it is more exciting to see where the student went and what he/she got from the experience.  The teacher can then become the learner.