Cognition and Human Learning

Learning is a fundamental aspect of the human experience. There are many ways one hears people talking about learning. “I learned fractions today.” “I’m learning Spanish.” “I learn best by doing.” “I learned about the bombing of Pearl Harbor.” “I’ve learned to drive an alternate route during the first week of classes to avoid traffic.” “I am learning photography.” “I learn more when I have to teach it to someone else.” Each of these statements indicates something important about learning, whether it is the result of learning (e.g., solving problems involving fractions, knowing about Pearl Harbor, speaking Spanish) or the act of learning (e.g., by doing or teaching others).

Learning is generally defined as the acquisition of knowledge. Knowledge is the result of learning, and it ...