Our Definition of Learning

Definition of
learning

MIS has adopted the following definition of learning. Learning is… “A process that leads to change, which occurs as a result of experience and increases the potential of improved performance and future learning” (Ambrose, et al., 2010)

Our 10 principles of learning are listed below.

Learner centric

  • All students have the potential to learn.
  • Student readiness varies at times and ages.
  • Students learn better when they have agency in the learning process.
  • Students learn in different ways.

Conceptual

  • Learning is organized in fundamental big ideas that facilitates transfer.
  • Concepts are enduring understanding that a learner is more likely to retain the long term by creating a long-lasting cognitive structure.

Contextual

  • Learning is made meaningful through context and purpose.
  • Learning should be relevant to the learners, the environment where learning happens and intended results of the learning.

Experiential

  • The cycle of experience - reflect/change -conceptualize - test/experiment (Kolb) is a fundamental inquiry process.
  • Learning is an active process and cannot occur without the intellectual involvement of the learner.
  • Meaningful practice enhances learning.

Constructive

  • Learners build on previous learning in constructing new meaning.
  • Conceptual and mental organization of learning influences how students learn and apply learning.

Applicable

  • Full understanding is demonstrated through the application of knowledge of skills, through transfer to new contexts and synthesis of new ideas.

Metacognitive

  • Learning is mediated through different types of thinking.
  • Awareness of the learner's own thinking enhances capability to learn effectively.
  • Identifying, regulating and monitoring cognitive processes enhances learning.

Social

  • Influenced by the interactions and relationships between the learners, the teachers and others in the social environment.

Emotional Emotive

  • Attitudes and values play an important role in learning and enhancing motivation.
  • Learning is strengthened when the emotional response to the learning context is positive.

Constructible

  • Students build tangible objects to represent their learning.
  • Building these objects is a way to connect heads, hearts, and hands.