General Definition:
Learning is a relatively permanent change in an organism's behavior, knowledge, or potential behavior as a result of experience. It involves acquiring new information, skills, or behaviors, or modifying existing ones.
In Psychology:
* Cognitive Psychology: Learning is viewed as a process of acquiring and organizing knowledge through mental representations, concepts, and schemas. It involves attention, perception, memory, and problem-solving.
* Behavioral Psychology: Learning focuses on observable behavior changes in response to stimuli and consequences. It emphasizes conditioning and reinforcement as key mechanisms.
* Developmental Psychology: Learning examines how cognitive abilities, social skills, and language develop throughout the lifespan. It explores stages of learning and influences on development.
In Education:
* Formal Learning: Learning occurs within structured settings like schools and universities. It involves curriculum, teachers, and assessments.
* Informal Learning: Learning happens outside formal institutions, through everyday experiences, interactions, and self-directed activities.
In Machine Learning:
* Learning refers to the process by which an algorithm improves its performance on a task based on data. It involves identifying patterns, making predictions, and adapting to new information.
Key aspects of learning:
* Change: Learning involves a transformation in behavior, knowledge, or skills.
* Experience: Learning arises from interaction with the environment, including observation, practice, and feedback.
* Relatively Permanent: Learning is not temporary; it leads to lasting changes.
Overall, learning is a multifaceted process essential for individual and societal growth. It encompasses acquiring new knowledge, skills, and perspectives, leading to adaptation, innovation, and progress.