What does the term 'learning' primarily refer to?

The term 'learning' refers predominantly to a relatively permanent change in behavior that occurs as a result of experience. This definition emphasizes that learning involves a lasting transformation influenced by interactions with the environment, rather than mere temporary changes or superficial knowledge gains.

For instance, when a student practices a flight maneuver repeatedly, they may initially struggle, but through practice and experience, their ability to perform that maneuver improves and stabilizes over time. This shift in capability is reflective of true learning, as it indicates that the individual has internalized the procedure, allowing them to perform it more effectively in the future.

The notion of learning highlights the process through which individuals adapt and refine their skills over time, rather than simply exhibiting change in behavior that might be fleeting or influenced by external factors. Therefore, it focuses on how accumulated experience shapes ongoing capabilities, which is a central theme in both educational theory and practical applications in fields like aviation.