We define learning as: the process of acquiring new personal knowledge, skills or
competencies, which can be used when meeting forthcoming challenges in life. We
distinguish between knowledge, skills and competencies for three reasons: first, we
do not want to trivialise the variety of aspects of personal abilities; second, the
distinction enables us to grasp the different types of learning that may take place
within learning contexts; and third, it makes it possible for us to discuss which
pedagogical methods can be employed in order to lead to the creation of either
knowledge, skills, or competencies. Our definitions are as follows.