Over the weekend, Mission to Learn quietly slipped into its third year. As befits such occasions, I’ve been trying to spend a bit of time reflecting on how the site has changed over time and where I’d like to take it going forward. One thing that occurred to me is that, in spite of this being a site about learning, I’ve never actually offered a definition here of what I mean by “learning.” So here’s my definition:
Learning is the lifelong process of transforming information and experience into knowledge, skills, behaviors, and attitudes.
I might add to that:
- It is not dependent upon classes and courses – though these can be very useful tools for learning
- It does not require a degree, certificate, or grade to prove its worth – though clearly these have social value that most people would be unwise to ignore
- It does require – in varying degrees, and in varying times and circumstances – activities like practice, reflection, interaction with the environment (in the broadest sense), and social interaction. The latter, in particular, can be greatly facilitated by the range of new technologies for communication and collaboration now available to us.
- It does not always – probably not even most of the time – happen consciously – though I think that those who strive for a more conscious approach to learning throughout their lives – whether at work or otherwise – tend to be more successful in pretty much whatever way they define success.
I think that pretty well sums up the view of learning that drives my efforts here at Mission to Learn. What do you think? Does this capture your view of learning? What would you add or take away?
Jeff
P.S. – If you are interested in this post, then you may also be interested in:
- My definition of social learning
- My series on How to Be a Better Learner
No related posts.
posted on May 21, 2009
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{ 43 comments… read them below or add one }
Has learning, in your opinion, nothing to do with the adaptation to new circumstances of both pleasurable shocking and painful experiences?
I am attending an online school and I need info for my Life Long Learning paper for Finals. Can you help me
Thanks
Anna – It depends on what you need. If you can provide more detail here in the comments, I can do my best to respond and also point others here to respond. – Jeff
learning is all wonderful as much as people define learning in many ways the only thing that blesses is that it has no end till death do u part
learning is a process which get start from the birth and end with death.
Dear Jeff,
how do you think it is possible to keep learning and learning with the very limited time there is. Especially for people that are working in the management level?
Do you have any best practise examples for companies that encourage there people to keep on learning (job related but also to develop personaly)?
Thanks
Anne – Thanks for commenting. Definitely a very good and important question. To a certain extent, of course, we can’t help but keep learning: it’s simply how we are wired. Lately I’ve been more and more intrigued by the idea that we all tend to know a lot more than we give ourselves credit for. We just don’t take proper time to reflect upon, analyze, and synthesize what we have learned. Even so, I know that is probably small comfort when caught up in the frenzy of everyday managerial duties. I wrote a post a while back on ways to find more time for focused learning. You may want to have a look at that: http://www.missiontolearn.com/2009/08/find-extra-time/ – perhaps some of these could be carved out as best practices that fit your situation. In addition to making more time, I think it is very important to develop habits like good note-taking and also to take seriously the idea that physical well being – particularly through good diet, exercise, and sleep – habits play a very important role in learning effectively and efficiently. In the end, of course, there is no magic bullet: anyone who want to learn continuously and achieve goals has to commit to it consciously and set priorities. I think all of the themes I outlined in an earlier post on the “self help” industry apply: http://www.missiontolearn.com/2010/02/self-help-secrets/
I hope these thoughts are of some help. I’d welcome any further ideas you or other readers have on the topic. It is one that will never go away!
Jeff
Mr. Jeff, can you share to me what’s the difference between learning and knowledge..it really confuses me..Thanks..
Joyce – Perhaps an oversimplification, but I view learning as the process by which knowledge is acquired and modified. Learning is the process; knowledge is the outcome. Though I wouldn’t want to imply that knowledge is static. Because learning is continuous, knowledge, too, is always in flux. I hope that helps some. – Jeff
i think learning is a past & feature experince. may be it is process of learning ,human beings learn any where.
To corroborate your response to joyce,As long as we are alive learning continues as knowlege too is not static ,they go together.
The best thing about learning is that it never stops no matter how old you are or how intelligent you’ve become. It only does when you’ve stop paying attention.
learning is a life long process. learning starts from the day we were born and ends the day we die. there is no learning in the grave. thank you.
LEARNING IS CONTINUOUS
learning is not depend on the age of individual. it means that, a child can learns by old, an old people can learns by child/ A teacher can learn by the student and a student can learn by the teacher.
my definition of “learning” is when I learn something, I’ll make sure that I master it. Not hanging it in the air.
hi
almost every aspect is coverd in the definition.i would like to add that when we strive in direct or indirect way to apprach a point,the acquired stuff can be regarded as learning,whether usefull or useless.
Any relatively permanent change in behavior that occurs as result of experience is called learning
Hello Jeff!
I just wanted say I agree with your response to Anne on May 17, 2010. I understand and live in Anne’s situation. However, we must make a decision to learn, set goals, establish priorities and make a plan to accomplish those goals. Sitting down, performing a self analysis and making personal development decisions and plans can be a very intimidating process. A serious introspection requires us to see ourselves honestly and be willing to make the necessary positive changes that will aid us in attaining our goals. In this case the goal would be learning. Learning in a time constrained environment is challenging. However, you can do it!:) I am doing it!:)
Education is a life long process
I agree with the spirit of your definition, although I will phrase my definition in a different manner. I’ll include the aspect that a person in goal-oriented, and learning is part of the process to achieve his goals.
learning is defined as “a process by which any change in behaviour occurs as a result of previous experience”.
learning is the process of change all over behaviour and lifestyle
Yes! learning is a endless process of our life because till the death of life we keep on learning so many things related to all aspects of life. for example, we learn language styles,expressions from our family members. In schools we have free social accesses to learn moral values, discipline. Thus, learning is a endless process of everyday life till from morning when we woke up in the morning to till going to sleep.
I have been studying philosophy and world religion on my own free time as I feel so connected to the ‘whys” and “whats” of life.
since I have been reading so much on my own and slowly started to realize that I am learning at the same level as college graduates and scholars, understanding their writings, recognizing the topics and discussions made me question how different is my understanding of philosophy by self teaching than it would be at a 4 yr university?
Im 35 a mother 0f 4 girls and a wife. I was diagnosed with Lupus and my world quickly changed. I started to read more in my sick and low days and it sparked a new awakening for me. I know that going back to college is not an option for me due to my health, my age (having 4 daughters who we hope would like to go to college, and saving money for their tuition and not mine) I would be interested in a credited education, but until then, knowledge is power. Everyone deserves an education. Passion for education I always says breeds more intelligence.
I have been looking for books and lectures where I can have access to what is being taught in schools and resources that I wasn’t aware of yet.
This is an amazing website and I am so excited that I have found you! I will be researching more and taking advantage of what you have to offer!
You are offering a wonderful, “priceless” opportunity to many who have the desire but not the logistics of a formal education for whatever reason.
For this,
Thank You!
Learning is the process which make us mature and confident about most of the things.It is a endless process and it never stops. We can learn anything in anywhere.Learning is not a stastic,it is dynamic process.Through learning process we can updates our knowledge,skill,ability,etc.
I agree with Jeff Cobb. I think his defintion of learning is brilliant. However I think it should be noted that this is a continual life long process, weather it is consciously or subconsciously. I feel the value of what is learnt is very subjective and can only be valued by the person who has aquired that knowledge.
Jeff Cobb for President!!!
Learning is a process of acquiring knowledge. on the other hand, it is a process of inculcating knowledge or information into ones ability, skills, behaviors, ideas, value e.t.c.
I could probably write much about the Law of Learning and how someone grows from a newborn to becoming an Aristotelian or Platonist. But, instead, I thought you might enjoy reading a short personal essay I recently wrote on learning — just for fun :~) L is for Learning, But Not to Have Learned
http://ponderdeeply.blogspot.com/2011/04/l-is-for-learning-but-not-to-have.html
Question – what is the aspect that influence leaning?
Thanks
in my view Learning is a change in life caused by experience
Learning is continuouse process that can be achieved by observation,experience and practical
It nice reading on your contribution,i must say learning is all the day to day life experience.thank you
why is learning probably considered a concept to define?
Learning is as a result of past experience
learnind is process of acquring knwedgel.
but my definition goes like learning is a relative permanent change in behavior duel to experience.
Learning mean changes of behaviour which come due to experience.
lerning is recieving knowledge from others. wheather the giver is educated or illitrate.
Dear Jeff,
can you define and point out the differences and similarity between attitude and behavior. if you ask me, i think they are same .
Learning is permanent change in behavior that occurs as a result of experience…
Learning is search for truth. Truth of something or anything. But learning is simply “search for truth”. Learning can be and should be made a life long process. Learning can be achieved through a process. But learning cant not be itself “a process”.
TGSambanthan
Learning is the necessity of life. The best thing about learning is that there is no age bar or time bar for learning. Today’s advance generation learning has become easy, comfortable and flexible through online education.
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