Written by Ambika Vartak and Edited by Ashima Seth
Learning is one of the most fundamental aspects of our lives, as it catalyzes self-improvement while fostering growth and innovation in society. Learning results from experience and causes a relatively lasting change in behavior [1]. This essentially means that environmental influences allow us to learn, and therefore change our behavior and thought process. A research study from The Journal of Psychology demonstrates that learning itself is a multifaceted discipline, stating that it is an ongoing process, encompasses a stimulus-response relationship, and is relevant throughout all of human life, including developmental stages [2]. Although the conceptualization of learning is still evolving in the scientific community, the biological and psychological aspects of learning work to enhance the human experience.
The biological processes of learning start within neurons, which are electrically activated brain cells. Learning is achieved due to changing strength and numbers of neural pathways, which involves a process known as synaptic plasticity. Synaptic plasticity is best demonstrated by increasing the strength of neural connections in the brain. In this process, the speed of conduction for electrical signals between cells improves when an activity is performed more frequently [3]. For example, synaptic plasticity increases when we do a motor task repeatedly such as learning a dance routine or doing the same type of math problem a few times. Repetitive activity is crucial not only in behavioral learning but also in memory formation.
Understanding the biological basis of learning helps researchers determine which teaching techniques best enhance student learning. Many teachers utilize the think-pair-share method of learning in which students think about a solution to a question, pair with a partner to discuss that solution, and share their findings with the class. This learning method is popular because engagement with a particular subject matter strengthens synaptic plasticity by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters (chemicals released from cells for the purpose of cell communication), such as dopamine and acetylcholine [3]. Making connections with concepts from different classes can also strengthen the formation of neural networks and can help a student remember the material better for the future.
Furthermore, learning can be influenced by external psychological factors as well. For example, motivation is an internal force that controls the drive to learn and guides the behavior of each individual. Intrinsic forms of motivation include activities that are done for the feeling of pleasure, interest, and satisfaction. On the other hand, extrinsic forms of motivation stem from tangible results such as external rewards, benefits, or obligations [4]. Similar to the types of motivations associated with learning, humans also have internal and external desires that are often fulfilled through constant, lifelong learning. Yet another factor that influences learning is external sources of stress, and the amount of stress that a person experiences due to these discrete sources. If learning takes place in a stressful environment, the levels of cortisol increase immediately. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can negatively affect learning and memory by disrupting the connections between brain cells when its levels are extremely elevated [5]. Therefore, it is best to learn and comprehend information in a calm, peaceful, and stress-free environment – not only because learning is optimized, but also because performance outcomes are greatly heightened.
From these findings, it can be ascertained that there are biological and psychological components to learning. Understanding both of these components provides a foundation for analyzing the ways in which humans learn and sheds some insight into why we learn and in what ways we learn best. Learning is a form of art, and an understanding of how to learn more effectively will foster personal growth and pioneer innovation for society.
References:
1. “Learning.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/learning.
2. Lachman. S., J (1997). Learning is a Process: Toward an Improved Definition of Learning. The Journal of Psychology 131: 477-480.
3. Owens, M. T., Tanner, K., D. (2017). Teaching as Brain Changing: Exploring Connections between Neuroscience and Innovative Teaching. CBE life sciences education, 16(2).
4. Abrantes, L. J., Cardoso. P. A., Ferreira, M (2011). “Motivation and Relationship of the Student with the School as Factors Involved in the Perceived Learning.” Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, 29.
5.“What Are Factors That Influence Learning?” Bizmanualz, 2 Sept. 2015, www.bizmanualz.com/improve-your-training/what-are-factors-that-influence-learning.html.