Learning Concepts. In this paper a review of the concept of learning will be provide as well as distinguishing between performance and learning

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  1. Learning Concepts Paper

Shantel Gilbert

PSYCH/550

September 17, 2012

Dr. Samantha Hickman, Psy. D.

        Having  an understanding of how individuals think is the concept of learning. In order to have an understanding of how people learn and think, one must have a better understanding of the brain's mental process. In this paper a review of  the concept of learning will be provide as well as distinguishing between performance and learning. The conceptual approaches to the study of learning will also be compared and contrasted within this paper.

The Concept of Learning

        The concept of learning can be considered as a change in behavior or knowledge that is due to experience. Learning is relatively a permanent change in behavior and not a temporary changed to behavior due to things like drugs and alcohol which is things unlearned. Learning is divided into two categories: behavioral learning theory and cognitive learning theory. According to Terry (2009), learning is the acquisition of knowledge. In the field of psychology, knowledge broadly defined not just verbal knowledge, but also habits, skills, and attitudes.

Distinguish between Learning and Performance

        Learning and performance are often viewed as being very similar in nature but in most cases can be different in nature.  Improved performance usually comes from learning but this is not always the case, there are instances that they can be at odds with each other. According to Edmondson & Singer (2008), "First, when organizations take on a new learning challenge, performance often suffers in the short term, because new behaviors or practices are not yet highly skilled. Second, by revealing and analyzing their failures and mistakes, a critical aspect of learning individuals or work groups may appear to be performing less well than they would otherwise." It is important to distinguish between learning and performance because there are different factors that influence them both. Some of the factors that influence learning are the amount of practice and the performance is the outcome from learning. Learning is said to be relatively permanent. For example , though we forget small things on a day to day bases like a name or a meeting scheduled we really still remember more then we realize on a day to day because though some things may slip our minds the information is still in or memory bank.  Performance is considered to be a direct observation for instance, an individual may perform reenact what they have learned or their behavior may begin to change based on what they have learned.

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        Unlike the introverted and internal change that occurs with learning, performance has outwardly-oriented goals, which means people are more concerned with being judged favorably of their ability to make good judgments in life (Gentry et al 2006).  Goals of performance  are more concerned with normal standards, rather than personal standards. Performance standards promote the demonstration of abilities to others while learning is focused on self-development and enhancement. A good example might be the difference between learning to read, a skill that an individual will have for the rest of his or her life, versus demonstrating reading competence on a standardized ...

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