Learning: Basic Processes

Abstract

Learning is the process of acquiring knowledge, which is an active process and operates at both individual and social levels. This book explores both, but this first chapter focuses on the individual in terms of the basic mental processes entailed in transforming information into knowledge—in other words, learning. In doing so, it introduces a number of themes which will recur throughout the book. These key themes include the notion of tentative.theories used to generate themes by which integrate otherwise fragmented entities become integrated. This process underlies the construction of meaning at all levels—from basic comprehension through critical thinking to creativity. Complex meaning construction can be seen as the generation, testing, and refinement of such tentative theories, education being concerned with providing optimal support to learners in engaging in these activities.