INTRODUCTION
Many students would likely cite a desire to learn as the primary reason for committing four
years to a college education. But what do we really mean when we use the word “learn”? It is
something we all do from the moment of birth, so most of us likely take this very complex
process for granted. How many of you have spent time trying to understand the meaning of
learning, or how it occurs? Although many of us have a general sense of what it means to learn,
there are often many assumptions involved. Teachers often assume that, because they are
“teaching,” students must be learning. Students assume that, because they have read their text
and memorized facts, they have learned something. What should we expect to learn from a
college education? What are the roles of students and teachers in the learning process? Are
certain kinds of learning and thinking more valuable than others? What does sophisticated
thinking look like and what are the developmental stages for getting there? What kinds of skills
and knowledge do employers desire in their perspective employees? How do grades reflect a
student’s thinking and learning? What role does higher education play in modern society?
These are but a few questions to consider while reflecting on the purpose of a college education.
The past few decades have seen considerable advances in understanding the brain and
learning. These new findings have significant implications for what instructors teach and how
students learn, and I have changed the way I approach teaching. As I began to revise my courses
to include new instructional methods, I realized the need to add some readings and classroom
discussions to help students understand their vital role in the learning process. I initially sought
to find an existing document that would provide a concise summary about learning. After not
finding a suitable overview, I decided to write one myself. So, the purpose of this document is to
provide a brief overview of learning, how people learn, and the importance of learning as a
lifelong objective. This summary is distilled from a number of books, papers, and web pages
related to learning, thinking, and educational practices. Although intended for students, the
document might also be useful to instructors as they consider what they teach and how to teach