1.3 The interrelation between learning and teaching

Understanding how children learn is of fundamental importance for teaching to be successful. An understanding of theories and principles of learning can help teachers select the most appropriate methods of instruction to suit:

Different types of subject matter.

Different types of learning.

Different educational outcomes.

Different characteristics of learners.

A thorough knowledge of curriculum content, together with an appreciation of the steps and processes involved in learning that type of content, can help teachers implement sound educational programs. Knowledge of learning processes can also help teachers anticipate the difficulties some students may encounter in certain school subjects.
Teachers can then consider how best to prevent or minimize learning problems and how to motivate their students to learn.
The methods of teaching to be employed in establishing desired attitudes differ considerably from those applicable to the learning of intellectual skills, information, or cognitive skills because attitudes cannot be taught directly. They may be acquired:

Through a combination of observing a model displaying the particular attitude.

Reflecting upon the outcomes from the actions of self and others.

From peer group pressure.

To some degree through active persuasion and the use of incentives (rewards).

1.3 The interrelation between learning and teaching

Once they are acquired, attitudes tend to be reinforced when others agree with and support them. In many instances, learning occurs over a period of time, and moves through different stages, rather than occurring as a result of a single moment of experience. Most types of learning take more time to accomplish if the learner has an intellectual impairment. Teachers should be aware of all these variables in order to deliver the curriculum successfully.