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You are here: Home / Cognition / 10 Definitions of Learning

10 Definitions of Learning

by Connie Malamed


We know that the human brain is immensely complex and still somewhat of a mystery. It follows then, that we understand learning—a primary function of the brain—in many different ways. If you are searching for some definitions of learning, these ten explanations show the multitude of ways you can understand learning from various perspectives.

The Definitions of Learning

  1. “A change in human disposition or capability that persists over a period of time and is not simply ascribable to processes of growth.”
    — From The Conditions of Learning by Robert Gagne
  2. “Learning is the relatively permanent change in a person’s knowledge or behavior due to experience. This definition has three components: 1) the duration of the change is long-term rather than short-term; 2) the locus of the change is the content and structure of knowledge in memory or the behavior of the learner; 3) the cause of the change is the learner’s experience in the environment rather than fatigue, motivation, drugs, physical condition or physiologic intervention.”
    –From Learning in Encyclopedia of Educational Research, Richard E. Mayer 
  3. “We define learning as the transformative process of taking in information that—when internalized and mixed with what we have experienced—changes what we know and builds on what we do. It’s based on input, process, and reflection. It is what changes us.”
    –From The New Social Learning by Tony Bingham and Marcia Conner
  4. “It has been suggested that the term learning defies precise definition because it is put to multiple uses. Learning is used to refer to (1) the acquisition and mastery of what is already known about something, (2) the extension and clarification of meaning of one’s experience, or (3) an organized, intentional process of testing ideas relevant to problems. In other words, it is used to describe a product, a process, or a function.”
    –From Learning How to Learn: Applied Theory for Adults by R.M. Smith
  5. “Acquiring knowledge and skills and having them readily available from memory so you can make sense of future problems and opportunities.” (Listen to an interview with one of the authors.)
    From Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III, Mark A. McDaniel
  6. “A process that leads to change, which occurs as a result of experience and increases the potential of improved performance and future learning.”
    From How Learning Works: Seven Research-Based Principles for Smart Teaching by Susan Ambrose, et al.
  7. “The process of gaining knowledge and expertise.”
    From The Adult Learner by Malcolm Knowles
  8. “Learning involves strengthening correct responses and weakening incorrect responses. Learning involves adding new information to your memory. Learning involves making sense of the presented material by attending to relevant information, mentally reorganizing it, and connecting it with what you already know.”
    From eLearning and the Science of Instruction by Ruth C. Clark and Richard E. Mayer
  9. “A persisting change in human performance or performance potential…[which] must come about as a result of the learner’s experience and interaction with the world.”
    From Psychology of Learning for Instruction by M. Driscoll
  10. “Learning is a process that occurs within nebulous environments of shifting core elements – not entirely under the control of the individual. Learning (defined as actionable knowledge) can reside outside of ourselves (within an organization or a database), is focused on connecting specialized information sets, and the connections that enable us to learn more are more important than our current state of knowing.”
    From Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age by George Seimens

What is your favorite definition of learning? Add your learning definition in the Comments below.

Comments

  1. Trebor JD Dukes says

    December 8, 2024 at 4:07 pm

    Learning is the conceptualization and retention of experiences and interpretation of experiences

  2. Deborah Agbongiague says

    October 17, 2024 at 1:56 pm

    Thanks Connie for the insightful exposition.

    Learning is that conscious effort we continue to make at knowing new things, or getting better at things we already know for growth, advancement and productivity.

  3. Oluwaseyi Jesutofunmi Ogunmoroti says

    October 10, 2024 at 7:31 am

    Hi everyone.

    Nice article Connie.
    I really like no.4.
    Learning is a Process involved in producing a habit, behavior,skill or knowledge which is to be used in a function or for a future purpose.

    Being able to understand, recall and independently carryout what was learnt to solve a problem is a great definition.

  4. Alex Chadwick says

    July 10, 2024 at 10:02 pm

    Hi All,

    Hope all is well. They are all very good. The one that stood out for me was:

    “We define learning as the transformative process of taking in information that—when internalized and mixed with what we have experienced—changes what we know and builds on what we do. It’s based on input, process, and reflection. It is what changes us.”
    –From The New Social Learning by Tony Bingham and Marcia Conner

    Internalizing and mixing with what we have experienced is what students go through and find most challenging from my experience. Reflection is also very important for them to reach their potential.

    Looking forward to catching up today:)

  5. Otti Gloria Obianuju says

    March 11, 2024 at 5:21 pm

    Learning is the progression in knowledge, technics, understanding, skills, general behaviour of an organism, improvement in actions due to experience, training and also as growth occurs.

  6. Oliver Lee McCabe, PhD says

    January 26, 2024 at 12:28 pm

    Hi all-

    Wonderful past efforts here to conceptualize what Learning is.

    Weighing in on this interesting challenge, I have tried to avoid two definition pitfalls: 1) making valid statements ABOUT learning; and 2) making valid statements from a limited perspective. Such declarations I offer do not quite reach the criteria for an all-encompassing “definition.”

    I think it’s useful to start with a general but succinct statement. For many years, my personal core definition of Learning (similar to some already offered) is as follows: Behavior change as a result of experience. From there, one can elaborate (eg, human and/or sub-human species and organisms), and expand into specialty areas. A key consideration is the type and dimensional locus of Learning, such as Knowledge (knowing stuff), Skills (doing things), and Affect/Attitudes(acquiring views, predispositions, feelings, values and other affect-linked characteristics). The latter framework, of course, tracks with (what I assume is still) formal pedagogical thinking about what constitute “competencies.”

    I look forward to additional discussion.
    Lee

  7. Shehu Haruna MUZA says

    October 9, 2023 at 7:37 am

    Learning are those activities that are performed to increases our standard of living.

  8. Penny Brunton says

    February 20, 2023 at 8:29 pm

    I like three learning is what changes us and the world we live in:
    -Input
    -Process
    -Reflection

    The transformative process of taking in information that—when internalized and mixed with what we have experienced—changes what we know and builds on what we do. It’s based on input, process, and reflection. It is what changes us.”
    –From The New Social Learning by Tony Bingham and Marcia Conner

    Thanks
    Peni

  9. Ali Riasat says

    January 4, 2023 at 5:42 am

    A Positive and long lasting change in the behavior of an individual due to certain experience. Learning my also occurs due to interaction with other individuals like interaction of teacher with students or students interact with each other and share experiences.

  10. MATSANGA JOACHIM says

    November 12, 2022 at 2:40 pm

    All these definitions appear to be carrying a common point. I can define learning as accepting new information , interprete it and then apply it

  11. WABUTEYA PETER says

    November 12, 2022 at 12:22 pm

    I am much impressed by the topic of learning.
    I would also say that learning refers to the sudden newness that one gains over time.

  12. WABUTEYA PETER AND KULOBA ISAAC says

    November 12, 2022 at 10:34 am

    According to all suggested views, I would recommend that learning is simply the exposure to change and its effects.

  13. Iir Afrisya says

    November 10, 2022 at 10:38 am

    Learning is the process of acquiring information, knowledge and using it to make improvements in life

  14. NABAYA JOB MAZAKI says

    November 9, 2022 at 8:32 am

    All these definitions are carrying a common point.i haves commended them. However i can also say learning is the process of unlearning something.

  15. Adepoju Abeeblah says

    August 13, 2022 at 3:06 am

    Learning is the knowledge that is acquired as you go from the unknown to the known.

  16. Fred Adams says

    October 30, 2021 at 5:30 am

    These are all great definitions of learning!

  17. Arsyalia Witri Adinda says

    September 20, 2021 at 9:30 pm

    To me, learning is always with us in our growth. Not only about academic, but also how we improve ourselves especially in emotional intelligence. Learning is always accompany our life, when we get prior knowledge, we can develop it into new knowledge.

  18. Naveed Qamar says

    September 4, 2021 at 1:10 am

    To me learning occurs all the time whether you know it or not. Every thing you hear, see, smell, taste, touch, or reflect consciously or unconsciously becomes the part of your learning which changes you partially. It’s not totally externally rooted. When an idea comes in mind and is processed and matured is also learning

  19. Isah Hafizu says

    August 1, 2021 at 6:28 am

    Learning is the process of acquiring new ideas, skills from prior experience being innate in one person.

  20. MUSTAPHA NUHU says

    May 17, 2021 at 10:02 am

    Learning it’s the knowledge that you get from reading and studying

  21. Akif Naz says

    March 24, 2021 at 9:36 am

    Learning is a skill that we learn from birth to death and it’s a life-long process.

  22. Nurudeen ibrahim says

    March 7, 2021 at 1:59 pm

    Learning is a system of knowning something that is new by practicing it

  23. SIMWENDE IVAN LANDER. says

    December 22, 2020 at 4:28 pm

    Learning is a process of knowing something new and practicing it.

  24. Mimi says

    December 16, 2020 at 10:51 am

    Learning is any relatively permanent change in behavior that occurs as a result of practice and experience.

  25. Murtala says

    November 22, 2020 at 3:38 pm

    Learning can be defined as a process by which one gains from past ideas.

  26. Wellington Maheya says

    April 29, 2020 at 8:17 am

    oh ts like on my own point of view.To learn is getting to know things that you dont know maybe via observing someone doing or by being told or maybe via reading manuals. I dont knw if I am right

  27. samavia says

    December 31, 2019 at 10:05 am

    learning involves a change in behaviour or knowledge that results from experience

  28. Millie Omorodion says

    December 23, 2019 at 8:19 pm

    Learning cannot be complete without reflecting on the change that has been made and the feedback is what effects the changes and affects the world.

  29. Tom Atkinson says

    December 19, 2019 at 9:09 pm

    BTW: Learning is not considered permanent due to the process of pruning. However, repetition and periodic review of details improve long-term potentiation. Also, recall of information is not precisely replicated from our memory but actually reconstructed in the associative cortex (imagination). This process is not like retrieving digital data on a computer. Some details are typically modified or missing when reconstructed from multiple areas of the brain.

    The brain constantly adapts as we learn new things (neuroplasticity). Neurons send and receive signals across synapses. Stimulating a synapse repeatedly can trigger a state of increased sensitivity known as long-term potentiation. PKMzeta molecules collect into the receiving end of a synapse, increasing sensitivity that works like glue. Research has demonstrated this process can be interrupted by synthetic molecules (Chelerythrine and ZIP) that dissolve the glue without injuring the receptor; in effect, erasing memory. The brain uses natural processes for achieving this when pruning.

    Thanks for stimulating our imagination!

  30. Tom Atkinson says

    December 19, 2019 at 8:25 pm

    At a micro-level, learning is an electrochemical process in the brain for creating new, strengthening existing, or pruning synapses that can be expressed by activation of motor response.

    This definition assumes a normal functioning brain capable of expression to verify the modulation of synapses. If we ever reach the point for mapping and decoding synaptic changes directly to the information, expression would no longer be necessary.

  31. PETGANG NANA SYLVAIN ERIC says

    November 16, 2019 at 7:08 am

    I define learning as a transforming process of whatever information received and internalized or experience into attitude, value, preferences, actions, skills and knowledge that guide behaviour.
    Learning is also defined as the reconstitution of life experiences, prior ideas and knowledge that gives way to a change in behaviour, mastery of skills and exposure of performance.

  32. haram fatima says

    October 24, 2019 at 1:55 pm

    Learning is a process by which new activities are acquired and it is a conscious process that is constantly going on in the organism.

  33. Connie Malamed says

    October 14, 2019 at 5:50 am

    Thanks, JJ. I’m glad these helped.

  34. JJ says

    October 13, 2019 at 1:33 pm

    Thanks so much for this. I am a pre-school teacher and have used these definitions to provide professional development for other teachers.

  35. Owomuhangi javiira says

    September 2, 2019 at 3:10 am

    To my reasoning, learning can be defined as the set of all experiences people face and perfect to benefit and solve problems encountered through out their life in their environment

  36. SEMPUNDU Lambert says

    September 1, 2019 at 11:58 am

    thank you very much Connie. you have done greatly. according to me, Learning is the acquiring knowledge, skills or attitude. retain them in the memory and then after apply them in novel situation. learning takes place between expert and novice. not between teacher and students only.

  37. NURA says

    August 22, 2019 at 3:53 pm

    Learning is a process of gaining knwoledge or skill by studying experience.

  38. Ghina raudhatul jannah says

    August 18, 2019 at 9:57 am

    “Learning as the transformative process of taking in information”.
    “A process that leads to change, which occur as result of experience”.
    “The process of gaining knowledge and expertise”.

  39. Romharshp Panthi says

    July 11, 2019 at 9:50 pm

    Learning is a process of getting skills through interactions.

  40. Umar Abubakar says

    May 21, 2019 at 5:45 am

    Learning is a permanent change in behavior as a result of experience.

  41. Wasini says

    April 2, 2019 at 4:30 pm

    Learning is a process that occur under favourable and unfavourable conditions thereby changing the behaviour, attitudes and mind set of an individual.

  42. Hadiza says

    March 11, 2019 at 3:33 am

    Got a lot here.Thanks connie

  43. Connie Malamed says

    February 26, 2019 at 8:19 pm

    Kaite, it seems like there should be one, right? But there are so many different theories and perspectives, that won’t ever happen 🙂
    Connie

  44. kaite felix says

    February 26, 2019 at 5:47 am

    WOW! what a good search CONNIE. I like the way you have done it widely, keep it up you really helped me out of this because I found it difficult for me to clarify on the definitions of learning. indeed, they are so many but am still wondering as to why it has failed to have one definition in general.

  45. Ochokwunu Ada Adam says

    February 11, 2019 at 7:30 am

    Learning is a life-long process until death do you part.

  46. Seth kinty jr says

    January 14, 2019 at 10:22 pm

    Learning is the field of study that involves the gaining of knowledge

  47. Connie Malamed says

    December 18, 2018 at 3:43 am

    The learning environment is the physical and social setting in which learning takes place.

  48. Shubh says

    December 18, 2018 at 12:00 am

    Pls give definitions of learning Environment by different writers

  49. Muzhir Shaban Al-Ani says

    December 17, 2018 at 3:58 am

    Dear Connie
    I appreciate your definitions and answers.
    Education and learning are interdependent and complementary.

  50. Biswajit Nayak says

    September 6, 2018 at 1:04 pm

    Learning is the process of acquiring knowledge whether it is bad or good.

  51. Connie Malamed says

    July 25, 2018 at 10:00 am

    You will have to reflect and answer this question yourself, Lilly.

  52. lilybest says

    July 25, 2018 at 5:19 am

    what are the Strenghts and weaknesses of this definitions?

  53. HASSAN FARMANI says

    July 10, 2018 at 9:43 am

    From my perspective, the learning can be defiened as “learning what reaction you should do in certain situation.” I believe it can cover all other definitions. So when you want to learn put yourself in certain situation and react.

  54. pai steve says

    July 4, 2018 at 1:29 pm

    learning comes as a result of experience

  55. ozioma chibueze says

    May 23, 2018 at 10:30 am

    Learning is the obtaining of new knowledge or expanding on already known facts, through organised or un-organised methods, that results in a change, and transmits into solving daily problems.

  56. Amarachukwu Okechukwu says

    May 22, 2018 at 6:22 am

    learning is a process whereby one acquires new knowledge or improves and develops on an existing knowledge through teaching, study and experience which one can apply from memory to face furture challenges resulting to positive change in behaviours.

  57. Semiu ganiyu says

    May 20, 2018 at 7:32 am

    Learning is a relative permanent change in behaviour or knowledge due to activities, practices and experience.

  58. Joseph Erwin says

    May 18, 2018 at 10:05 am

    Learning is the incorporation of information by organisms, and behavioral change following exposure to information, is an indicator that learning has occurred.

  59. Connie Malamed says

    May 14, 2018 at 8:27 pm

    I think because anything that applies to humans, psychology and theories is fuzzy and continuously debated. But yeah, it does seem like there should be! And many of these are similar.

  60. Michael Boateng says

    May 14, 2018 at 4:41 am

    Why is there not a precise definition for learning?

  61. Mike Bell says

    May 3, 2018 at 4:27 am

    Learning is the creation of long-term memories. These can be formed when a particular pathway between neurons is triggered into a new state. The connections between neurons is at synapses. With repeated use, the synapse is triggered into a new state – long-term potentiation. This particular pathway is then forever heavily preferred compared to all others. We have learned something.

  62. Connie Malamed says

    April 10, 2018 at 8:26 pm

    Things can be unlearned and modified. So learning is relatively permanent.

  63. Nese says

    April 8, 2018 at 2:17 am

    Learning is when we get to understand things from taking different experiences in life

  64. Nese says

    April 8, 2018 at 2:14 am

    What exactly does “relatively permanent change means”?

  65. Glynn says

    March 24, 2018 at 9:53 am

    Learning is the process of acquiring new information, knowledge or skills that can then be used to achieve a desired result, outcome or product

  66. paula says

    March 3, 2018 at 10:20 am

    learning is when the capacity or skills occurs through experience, having them readily available so you can make sense of future problems

  67. Miriam says

    February 26, 2018 at 6:22 am

    Learning is information backed with experience with the intention of causing a relatively permanent change. Thank you very much Connie

  68. Connie Malamed says

    February 14, 2018 at 7:12 am

    Thanks for your definition, Sadique.
    Connie

  69. Sadique ambalath says

    February 12, 2018 at 6:06 pm

    Learning is the process by which we add on knowledge, experience or modify or delete the already existing ones.

  70. Connie Malamed says

    December 30, 2017 at 10:18 pm

    Hola Willy,
    Unfortunately, I do not speak Spanish but I used Google Translate and I hope I understood what you said. Tu comentario es interesante. Gracias.
    Connie

  71. Willy Fredy Ancori Cervantes says

    December 27, 2017 at 12:07 pm

    Estimada Connie… me gusta e interesa tu publicación
    Bueno… El aprendizaje modifica las estructuras mentales, actitudinales, emocionales, conductuales de la persona, las modifica inicialmente desde la experiencia con su entorno socio cultural y posteriormente desde su experiencia con otros entornos socio culturales e incluso virtuales.

  72. Connie Malamed says

    September 17, 2017 at 5:06 pm

    Great addition! Thanks, Maria.

  73. Maria Macaluso says

    September 11, 2017 at 5:23 pm

    Learning is the exchange of knowledge, not just teacher to student but also student to teacher.

  74. DEINDE Oluwatoyin Mosebolatan. says

    March 20, 2017 at 5:17 pm

    Great research work Connie.
    From reading your writeup ,I summarise that Learning is the process of gaining new ideas,insights,knowledge and skills via different experiences,observations, encounters,information etc.All these processes having been internalised result in positive changes in behaviour,actions and knowledge which can be recalled from memory in tackling future challenges and opportunities.
    Thank you.

  75. Connie Malamed says

    March 2, 2017 at 7:00 pm

    I like it! Thanks, Tina.

  76. Tina Rice says

    February 27, 2017 at 2:06 pm

    different but related: I used to tell my kids “Smart isn’t how much you know, smart is how much you can figure out.”

  77. George says

    December 15, 2016 at 5:35 pm

    These are great. I believe in experiential learning and a few of these seem to fit the bill. New information is framed by our previous experiences and formed through that lens.

  78. Mohmad Rafeeq Dar says

    December 11, 2016 at 4:04 am

    Learning is modification of behavioural aspects as negatively and positively. …that is bad or good

  79. Connie Malamed says

    December 8, 2016 at 5:54 am

    Thanks for your insights, Dennis.

  80. Dennis says

    December 8, 2016 at 1:02 am

    These are all great definitions of learning. I believe learning is trans formative and that we must connect new information with our experiences. I also think that it is more social than on an individual spectrum. This social component involves cultural attitudes, language, communicating with others, and having a global perspective. Number 3’s definition is about how I feel toward learning. I appreciate the reflection piece.

  81. Zakir iqbal says

    December 7, 2016 at 7:07 am

    learning is a fundamental process of life engaging,much of our waking hours,affecting all forms of behaviour skills, knowledge,attitudes,personality,motivation,fear,mannerism etc

  82. Connie Malamed says

    June 21, 2016 at 3:31 pm

    Thanks, Ant. I thought it was fun to gather them and reflect on the different meanings.
    Connie

  83. Ant Pugh says

    June 20, 2016 at 8:03 am

    Great article Connie. I really like 2. “Learning is the relatively permanent change in a person’s knowledge or behavior due to experience.”

    ‘Relatively permanent’ is a great way to describe it! It must be more than temporary change (a good example of this that we see every day is kids revising for exams and then they forget that information a few weeks later – that to me is not good learning).

    But totally permanent is also unlikely i.e. if I don’t practice something for a long time, I will forget how to do it.

    So relatively permanent is a great description 🙂

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