What is learning? What are its distinguishing features?
Learning is a key process in human behaviour and may be defined as any relatively permanent change in behaviour or behavioural potential produced by experience or practice. It refers to a spectrum of changes that take place as a result of one’s experiences.
The first distinguishing feature is that learning always involves some kinds of experience. This can occur through repeated events, such as learning that a bell ringing means dinner is ready, which leads to habit formation. Sometimes, even a single experience, like getting burnt by a matchstick, can result in learning.
Another essential feature is that the behavioural changes are relatively permanent. These changes must be distinguished from temporary behavioural changes caused by factors like drugs or fatigue. Such temporary changes are not considered learning.
Furthermore, learning is an inferred process. It differs from performance, which is the observed behaviour or response. Learning is the underlying mechanism inferred from these actions. It enables individuals to adapt, solve problems, and become skilled and professionally competent.
Explanation
The answer derives the definition from the 'Nature of Learning' section and lists the distinguishing features from the 'Features of Learning' section provided in the context. It covers the requirement of experience (single or repeated), the necessity of the change being relatively permanent (excluding temporary states like fatigue), and the distinction between learning as an inferred process versus performance.