Understanding Learning and Preventing Misinterpretation

Understanding the Learning Cycle

The learning cycle is the process of acquiring information. It begins at birth and continues throughout life.

How We Learn

We learn from others or by ourselves. We learn through trial and error. Thus, we learn from our outside environment. For example:

• Watching parents doing things.
• Listening to teachers at school and college.
• Watching television.
• Listening to religious scholars.
• Reading books and newspapers.

Interpreting Words

Language is a powerful means of communication, conveyed through words. For example:

• A word can have several meanings, such as ‘ways’.
• Words have different meanings in different parts of the world, like ‘Dalla’ or ‘Calendar’.
• Meanings change over time, for instance, ‘sandwich’ or ‘diesel’.

Ensuring Message Interpretation

How can we be sure that the message will be interpreted by the receiver as intended by the sender?

Yes, this is an important issue. Misinterpretation can even cause accidents, such as in road traffic or air traffic control systems due to misinterpretation of signals and communication.

Therefore, pictures and diagrams can be useful; sometimes they explain ideas better than words. However, sometimes textual data is more effective. Pictures might describe physical appearance, while text describes events.

Avoiding Misinterpretation

To avoid misinterpretation, follow these steps:

• Be dictionary oriented. Difficult and confusing words should be looked up in the dictionary.
• Think about other possible meanings.
• Ask for clarification if there is any doubt.

What is a Hermeneutic Problem?

Problems caused by misinterpretation are called Hermeneutic problems. These can occur in written or oral text.