UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN

FACULTY OF EDUCATION

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

GSE 751

PSYCHOLOGY OF LEARNING

TOPIC: LEARNING IS A CONTINOUS PROCESS EVEN DEATH PEOPLE LEARN,

DISCUSS

LEARNING AT TIME ISREGARDED AS A DIFFICULT TASK BECAUSE OF

INDIVIDUAL INNATE TENACITY TO RECEIVE CHANGE AND MAINTAIN
EQUILIBRIUM, DISCUSS

STUDENTS NAME: DAISI TAIWO PETER

MATRIC NO: 239595

LECTURER-IN-CHARGE: PROF. OGUNDOKUN

Meaning and Definitions of learning

Learning, in psychology, the process by which a relatively lasting change in potential

behaviour occurs because of practice or experience. Learning is also a process of acquiring
modifications in existing knowledge, skills, habits, or tendencies through experience, practice, or
exercise. Gates and others “Learning is the modification of behaviour through experience”
Henry, P smith “Learning is the acquisition of new behaviour or strengthening or weakening of
old behaviour as a result of experience”. Crow and Crow “Learning is the acquisition of habits,
knowledge and attitudes. It involves new ways of doing things, and it operates in an individual’s
attempt to overcome obstacles or to adjust to new situations.” Skinner “Learning is the process of
progressive behaviour adaptation.” Munn“To learn is to modify behaviour and experience.”

Death is the end of someone's life. In general, death is a process that begins when the heart stops
beating and ends when the person stops breathing. Death is a state of being that is characterized
by the irreversible cessation of all biological functions that sustain a living organism. It can be
caused by injury, disease, lack of food, lack of water, or any other cause. The act of dying often
leads to death.

Whether or not "dead" people learn depends on how you define "learn" and "dead." Here are
some different perspectives:

Traditional View:

From a biological perspective, death is the cessation of all biological functions, including brain
activity. Therefore, in this sense, learning ceases to occur after death.

Philosophical and Religious Views:

Some philosophical and religious traditions believe in the continuation of consciousness or some
form of existence beyond physical death. In these views, learning could potentially continue in
some non-physical way. However, the nature of this learning and who experiences it vary greatly
depending on the specific belief system.

Metaphorical Interpretation:
You could interpret the statement "dead people learn" metaphorically. This could mean that we
learn from the experiences of those who have passed away, either through their words, actions,
or the impact they had on our lives. We can also learn from historical figures, ancient
civilizations, and even fictional characters, whose stories carry valuable lessons.

Symbolic Interpretation:

From a symbolic perspective, "dead people learn" could represent the cyclical nature of life and
death. As new life emerges, it builds upon the foundation of what came before, in a way
acquiring knowledge and experience from the past.

Ultimately, the question of whether "dead people learn" is a complex one with no definitive
answer. It depends on your individual beliefs and how you define the terms "learn" and "dead."
The important takeaway is that the pursuit of knowledge and understanding can be a lifelong
journey, even if it doesn't continue beyond physical death. We can learn from the past, present,
and even metaphorical representations of those no longer with us, enriching our own lives and
the lives of others.

Our brains are wired to resist change and seek equilibrium, making learning an inherently
challenging endeavor. This innate tenacity, often termed cognitive inertia, stems from several
factors:

1. Efficiency: Our brains operate on an "energy conservation" principle, favoring well-trodden

neural pathways for familiar tasks. Learning, however, disrupts these established patterns,
requiring the creation of new pathways, which initially demands more cognitive effort.

2. Fear of the Unknown: Stepping outside our comfort zone triggers uncertainty and potential
anxiety. The unfamiliar activates the amygdala, our brain's "fight-or-flight" center, leading to
resistance.

3. Identity & Beliefs: Our deeply held beliefs shape our self-perception and worldview.
Challenging them feels like an attack on who we are, triggering defensiveness and resistance.

Despite these hurdles, learning remains crucial for growth and adaptation. Here's how we can
overcome our natural resistance and embrace learning:
1. Intrinsic Motivation: When we're genuinely interested in a topic, curiosity flourishes, fueling
the drive to learn and persevere through challenges.

2. Incremental Steps: Breaking down large goals into smaller, achievable milestones makes the
learning process less daunting and fosters a sense of accomplishment.

3. Reframing Challenges: Viewing difficulties as stepping stones to mastery, rather than

roadblocks, fosters a growth mindset and resilience.

4. Rewards & Recognition: Celebrating even small wins reinforces positive learning experiences
and motivates us to continue.

5. Supportive Environment: Surrounding ourselves with individuals who encourage and support
our learning journey creates a safe space for exploration and growth.

These are some factors that influence learning

1. Motivation and Engagement

Motivation is the fuel that drives the learning engine. Without it, the learning process can
become a struggle for you. An individual’s genuine interest in a subject matter can lead to more
profound learning experiences, while external rewards or pressures may provide short-term
motivation but often yield less effective long-term results.

2. Prior Knowledge and Experience

The knowledge and experiences individuals bring to the learning process act as a foundation
upon which new information is built. Recognizing and tapping into this prior knowledge can
help educators tailor their teaching methods and ensure that new concepts are integrated
seamlessly with existing ones.

3. Learning Environment

The physical and social environment in which learning significantly factors affecting learning
process. A comfortable, well-equipped classroom or a quiet, distraction-free study space can
facilitate better focus and retention. Equally important are positive social interactions and a
supportive atmosphere that encourages questions and exploration.
4. Teaching Methods and Strategies

Effective teaching methods are pivotal in facilitating the learning process. Teachers and
educators need to employ a diverse range of teaching strategies to cater to various learning
styles. Utilizing interactive activities, hands-on experiences, and multimedia resources can
engage learners more effectively than traditional lecture-style teaching.

5. Cognitive Abilities

Cognitive abilities, such as memory, attention, problem-solving, and critical thinking, vary
among individuals. These abilities can influence how quickly and deeply one can absorb and
apply new information. Understanding and accommodating these differences can help create a
more inclusive and effective learning environment.

6. Emotional and Mental Health

Emotional and mental well-being play a substantial role in the factors affecting learning process.
Stress, anxiety, and other emotional factors can impede concentration and hinder learning.
Supporting mental health and providing strategies for managing stress are essential components
of effective education.

7. Socioeconomic Background

Socioeconomic factors, such as access to educational resources and extracurricular activities, can
impact a learner’s opportunities and experiences. Addressing disparities and promoting equal
access to education are crucial steps in ensuring that all individuals have a fair chance to succeed
in the learning process.

8. Social Interactions

Social interactions can have a profound impact on the learning process. Collaborative learning,
group discussions, and peer feedback can enhance understanding and promote deeper learning.
However, negative social influences or distractions can also affect concentration and
engagement.
Remember, learning is a continuous journey, not a destination. By understanding our inherent
resistance and employing these strategies, we can unlock the vast potential that learning hold

References

Aggarwal J. C. (2004) Psychology of learning & development, Shipra Publishers, N. Delhi

Aggarwal J. C. 92001) Basic ideas in Educational Psychology, Shipra Publisher, N. Delhi
Aggrawal J. C. (1995) Essentials of Educational Psychology, Vikas Publ House, N. Delhi Bhatia
KK (1989) Educational Psychology & Techniques of teaching, N. Delhi Bhatia HR (1986)
Elements of Educational Psychology, Bombay

Gemini (2024). GeminiAI(March 14 version) [learning] https://gemini.google.com/

KR. Mangalam. (n.d). 8 essential factors affecting

learning.https://www.krmangalamgurgaon.com/blogs/8-essential-factors-affecting-learning-
process/

William & Kowalczyk (2023). Death, definitions and

types.https://study.com/academy/lesson/definitions-of-death.html