Examples of Types of Learning


The learning It is the process by which every human being assimilates knowledge and information received through the senses. Concepts, skills, values, attitudes can be learned.

There are different types of learning; each of them uses techniques and dynamics that help to incorporate knowledge and experiences. For example: Child learn multiplication tables through repetitive learning; learn colors through visual learning; learn about world history through receptive learning.

Learning occurs throughout human development and encompasses different aspects of the person. In children and young people, learning is promoted from school and home. The human being learns through his own experience and that of others and is helped by interaction with his peers and with the environment that surrounds him.

The different types of learning are studied and classified according to currents of psychology and psychopedagogy. They can be classified according to the channel (visual, auditory or kinesthetic) and according to the internal process that each person develops when interacting with their peers and with the environment.

Learning types

  • Rote or repetitive learning. A type of learning that is characterized by constant repetition. Through this method, an attempt is made to locate knowledge in long-term memory. For example: the study of the alphabet.
  • Significant learning. Type of learning in which knowledge is related to another already existing in the subject. It makes use of the previous knowledge that each person has. For example: apply the multiplication tables when shopping at the supermarket.
  • Maintenance learning. Type of learning that is based on a pattern or standardization of behavior. That is, the subject repeats a certain methodology repeatedly that is productive for him. For example: learn to use a study method that is helpful.
  • Innovative learning. A type of learning that is close to creative learning. Through this it is intended that the person produce evaluative judgments and establish learning routes for the development of behaviors based on the development of their different abilities. For example: teaching a battle by visiting a history museum.
  • Visual learning. Type of learning that uses pictures, cards or slides. It is usually very useful as a reinforcement of other types of learning. For example: learning through interactive videos.
  • Auditory learning. Type of learning in which knowledge is assimilated through active listening. It is often combined as a visual or other learning reinforcement. For example: learning a language.
  • Learning by discovery. Type of learning in which it is proposed that each subject receives the content and actively develops responses. For example: llTake a child on an excursion to create a fantastic narrative based on his observation.
  • Responsive learning. Type of learning in which the subject receives new information but should not carry out any type of own elaboration. It is a type of receptive but passive learning at the same time, since it does not require deep cognitive elaboration on the part of the person. For example: reading a book.
  • Associative learning. Type of learning in which the person establishes a link or associates two certain phenomena or situations, which allows them to act on the basis of this knowledge. For example: the child learns by experience that if he does not study he will get bad marks.
  • Cooperative learning. Type of learning in which students work in groups or teams. There, information and opinions are exchanged by all members, this encourages the development of playful and social skills. For example: group chemical experiment.
  • Experiential learning. Type of learning in which the person can use their experience or that of others to guide their actions. For example: learn from the mistakes of others.
  • Explicit learning. Type of learning in which the person is a conscious recipient of certain information, is willing to learn and pays all his or her attention to acquiring knowledge. For example: listen to a master class from a writer.
  • Implicit learning. Type of learning that occurs spontaneously, generally without being aware that it is learning. For example: a child when he learns to walk.

Examples of types of learning

Rote or repetitive learning

  1. Multiplication tables
  2. Learning of national dates
  3. Teaching of laws or the Constitution.
  4. Names of heroes
  5. Letters of the alphabet

Significant learning

  1. To understand a history text, it is necessary to know the source language.
  2. To carry out a multiplication, the assimilation of the multiplication tables is necessary.
  3. To correctly interpret a melody, knowledge of the musical language is necessary.
  4. To communicate with a deaf or hypo-acoustic person, knowledge of sign language is necessary.

Maintenance training

  1. Preparation of synoptic tables.
  2. Preparation of summaries.
  3. Preparation of comparative tables.
  4. Mnemonic rules that facilitate the understanding of a certain topic.

Innovative learning

  1. Knowledge of a chemical formula through experimentation.
  2. Assimilation of the different geographical faults by experience or knowledge of them through photographs.
  3. Calculation of water from a source through observation.

Visual learning

  1. Oral presentations with cardboard.
  2. Comics without text where a sequence of events is proposed.
  3. Mental maps
  4. Audiovisual presentations
  5. Videos

Auditory learning

  1. Use of onomatopoeia to learn the sounds of animals.
  2. Learn to play a musical instrument.
  3. Teaching words with their corresponding phonemic separation to understand each syllable or the stress of said word.

Receptive learning

  1. Solving mathematical problems.
  2. Attend conferences or forums.
  3. Reading textbooks.

Cooperative learning

  1. Group work
  2. Debates
  3. Production of an audiovisual short.
  • More examples in: Learning techniques