Welcome to Learning

Catalog Description: Basic processes of learning in humans & animals are studied. Specific emphasis will be given to classical & operant conditioning & social learning theory. (3 credits)

 Description: A study of learning is at its core a study of human behavior. Sure, much of what we do is reflexive & instinctive, but the majority of what we are & who we are is the product of a lifetime of learning.

 Why This Course Is Important: Understanding how learning works is fundamental across all fields involving human behavior change & development. This knowledge has critical applications in:

Clinical Settings:

• Mental health professionals use learning principles to treat anxiety, depression, & behavioral disorders
• Healthcare providers apply these concepts to improve patient compliance & health behaviors
• Addiction specialists use conditioning principles to understand & treat substance use disorders

Educational Contexts:

• Teachers leverage learning theory to optimize instruction & classroom management
  

  

• Curriculum designers apply these principles to create effective learning materials
• Special education professionals use behavioral interventions to support student development

Organizational Applications:

• Training professionals use learning principles to design effective professional development
• Management consultants apply behavioral science to improve workplace performance
• Safety officers use learning theory to promote workplace safety behaviors

Personal Development:

• Understanding learning mechanisms helps individuals develop better habits
• Knowledge of decision-making processes improves personal choices
• Awareness of conditioning principles aids in self-directed behavior change

Social Impact:

• Public health campaigns use learning principles to promote healthy behaviors
• Environmental programs apply behavioral science to encourage conservation
• Social services utilize learning theory to support family interventions

Research Applications:

• Understanding research methods enables evaluation of interventions
• Knowledge of learning principles guides development of new treatments
• Scientific thinking skills support evidence-based practice

This foundational knowledge provides tools for creating positive change across numerous professional contexts while ensuring interventions are based on scientific evidence rather than intuition.

Course Learning Objectives: By the end of the course, students will be able to…

• • CLO1: Recall the basic principles, findings, & theories of learning.
  • CLO2: Interpret the results of learning studies using a scientific perspective.
  • CLO3: Communicate key elements of the major domains & theories of learning.
  • CLO4: Apply the course material to real-world problems.