The Learning Process

Webster`s Dictionary defines learning as "a process of acquiring knowledge or skills through study, instruction or experience".

If dental health education refers to those activities that attempt to impart knowledge and influence attitudes and behavior in individuals, for the purpose of improving oral health, then "those activities" must be solidly based in learning theory to be effective as change agents.

The learning process involves reasoning, imagination, and problem-solving. Learning so conceived is an active process, not merely a passive absorption of facts to be memorized and repeated.

How individuals learn certain behaviors, e.g., oral hygiene practices or oral self examination techniques, varies from one individual to another.

According to Coleman, four factors influence the learning process : the learner, the task, the procedure, and the learning situation.

Learning is expanded or limited by (1) the individual`s prior knowledge, (2) the individual`s basic motivations for learning, (3) the individual`s needs and goals, (4) the individual`s communicative relationship with the educator, and (5) the type of task to be learned and the conditions and procedures under which the learning takes place.

References :

Burt, B.A., 1983, The Prevention Connection : Linking Dental Health Education and Prevention, Int. Dent. J., 33

Coleman, J.D., 1969, Psychology and Effective Behavior, Palo alto, CA, Foresman.