External versus Internal Learning

Learning has a social aspect to it. Did you know that? Even how learning is processed is a social construct.

Part of the social aspect of learning deals with external versus internal learning.

External Learning

External learning occurs ousted of the individual. It is usually focused on materials exterior to the individual. Something we’re learning about. It could be an object, idea, concept, image.

Think of sitting in a classroom or a training room. The information is coming to you from an outside source. The same applies to learning from a book. External information.

Internal Learning

Internal learning, as imagined, is exactly opposite of external learning. It is what the learning brings to a learning situation. It is all the past learning, present learning, information and even the emotions about learning and the topic.

So why is this important to know? First, as educators, there is much we can do to help individuals to learn –but especially so when we realize what is going on under the surface. This is where the understanding of the internal learning is vital.

When looking at internal learning, think of the duck gliding on the water. It all appears so elegant, but if you look under the surface, you will see those little legs frantically pumping to move the duck across the water.

Learning is much the same.

External learning is easier to see, but the internal learning is the powerful pumping of the muscles to move the individual toward better understanding, comprehension and application.