PRELIM-AND-MIDTERM-LESSONS

LEARNING FOR CRIMINOLOGY STUDENTS

Scope of Presentation

  • Definition of learning

  • Nature and characteristics of learning

  • Types of learning

  • Domains of learning

  • Factors influencing learning

  • Theory of learning

Definition of Learning

  • A change in behavior from experience or practice.

  • Acquisition of knowledge through study or instruction.

  • Individual construction of understanding based on varied experiences.

Nature and Characteristics of Learning

  1. Change in behavior

  2. Continuous lifelong process

  3. Universal process

  4. Purposeful and goal-directed

  5. Involves reconstruction of experiences

  6. A product of activity and environment

  7. Transferable across situations

  8. Assists in achieving educational objectives and personal growth

  9. Balanced personality development and adjustment

  10. Does not necessarily imply improvement

Types of Learning

  1. Motor Learning

    • Involves activities requiring muscular coordination (e.g., walking, driving).

  2. Verbal Learning

    • Involves language and communication tools (signs, symbols, etc.).

  3. Concept Learning

    • Higher-order thinking involving abstract and generalization processes (e.g., recognizing a specific animal as a dog).

  4. Discrimination Learning

    • Differentiating between stimuli (e.g., recognizing different vehicle sounds).

  5. Learning of Principles

    • Understanding relationships among concepts (e.g., mathematical principles).

  6. Problem Solving

    • Application of cognitive skills to overcome challenges.

  7. Attitude Learning

    • Development of predispositions influencing behavior (e.g., attitudes toward professions).

Domains of Learning

  • Cognitive domain

  • Conative domain

  • Affective domain

Factors Influencing Learning

  • Learner Related Factors:

    • Physical/mental health, aspirations, readiness, motivation.

  • Teacher Related Factors:

    • Subject mastery, teaching skill, personality traits, mental health.

  • Content Related Factors:

    • Nature, selection, and organization of learning content.

Theories of Learning

  • Psychologists explain learning modes through various theories:

  1. Trial and Error Method (Thorndike):

    • Learning through random actions until the solution is found.

  2. Classical Conditioning (Pavlov):

    • Learning a reflexive response to a stimulus through association.

  3. Operant Conditioning (Skinner):

    • Behavior modification through reinforcement and punishment.

  4. Cognitivist Theory (Gagne):

    • Hierarchical learning processes from simple to complex tasks.

  5. Meaningful Learning (Ausubel):

    • Relating new information to existing knowledge for better understanding.

  6. Constructivist Theory (Bruner):

    • Active learning where knowledge is constructed based on prior understanding.

  7. Social Learning Theory (Bandura):

    • Learning through observation and the importance of mental states.

  8. Insight Learning (Kohler):

    • Sudden realization of a solution through cognitive processes.

Conclusion

  • Learning is a multidimensional process influenced by various factors and theories that shape individual understanding and behavior.