, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDELINE TO ANSWER YOUR ASSIGNMENT
EDS3701 ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 1 2026
ANSWERS
DUE DATE: 08 MAY 2026
1. INTRODUCTION
Learning is a foundational construct within both education and psychology, as it provides an
explanation of how individuals acquire, refine, and apply knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values
over time. Contemporary scholarship widely recognises learning as an active and dynamic process
rather than a passive reception of information, involving continuous interaction between the learner
and their surrounding environment.
Bandura (1977) posits that learning occurs through a combination of direct engagement and
observational processes, while Skinner (1953) emphasises the role of environmental reinforcement
in shaping behaviour. Within educational settings, an informed understanding of learning theories is
indispensable, as it enhances instructional design, classroom management, and the holistic
development of learners.
2. QUESTION 2.1: DEFINITION OF LEARNING (3 MARKS)
Learning may be defined as a relatively enduring modification in behaviour, knowledge,
understanding, or skill that arises from experience, practice, or exposure to environmental stimuli
(Mayer, 2008). Importantly, this transformation is not attributable to biological maturation,
temporary emotional states, or physiological conditions, but rather to sustained interaction with the
environment.
From a cognitive standpoint, learning involves complex mental operations such as perception,
interpretation, organisation, and encoding of information into memory systems (Piaget, 1952). In
contrast, behavioural perspectives conceptualise learning in terms of observable and measurable
changes in behaviour, primarily shaped through reinforcement and punishment mechanisms
(Skinner, 1953).
Consequently, learning is best understood as an integrated process involving both internal cognitive
restructuring and externally observable behavioural change, emerging progressively through
experience.
3. QUESTION 2.2: TYPES OF LEARNING (37 MARKS)
EDS3701 ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 1 2026
ANSWERS
DUE DATE: 08 MAY 2026
1. INTRODUCTION
Learning is a foundational construct within both education and psychology, as it provides an
explanation of how individuals acquire, refine, and apply knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values
over time. Contemporary scholarship widely recognises learning as an active and dynamic process
rather than a passive reception of information, involving continuous interaction between the learner
and their surrounding environment.
Bandura (1977) posits that learning occurs through a combination of direct engagement and
observational processes, while Skinner (1953) emphasises the role of environmental reinforcement
in shaping behaviour. Within educational settings, an informed understanding of learning theories is
indispensable, as it enhances instructional design, classroom management, and the holistic
development of learners.
2. QUESTION 2.1: DEFINITION OF LEARNING (3 MARKS)
Learning may be defined as a relatively enduring modification in behaviour, knowledge,
understanding, or skill that arises from experience, practice, or exposure to environmental stimuli
(Mayer, 2008). Importantly, this transformation is not attributable to biological maturation,
temporary emotional states, or physiological conditions, but rather to sustained interaction with the
environment.
From a cognitive standpoint, learning involves complex mental operations such as perception,
interpretation, organisation, and encoding of information into memory systems (Piaget, 1952). In
contrast, behavioural perspectives conceptualise learning in terms of observable and measurable
changes in behaviour, primarily shaped through reinforcement and punishment mechanisms
(Skinner, 1953).
Consequently, learning is best understood as an integrated process involving both internal cognitive
restructuring and externally observable behavioural change, emerging progressively through
experience.
3. QUESTION 2.2: TYPES OF LEARNING (37 MARKS)
