How does learning happen_2

Procedural learning
Image from Uncommon Sense Teaching on Coursera

The second pathway for learning is the procedural learning system. It uses the deep learning network of the basal ganglia to set up the links in long-term memory. Every time we repeat doing something, the neural connections are strengthened. Whether it’s folding clothes or driving home through the same route every day, eventually, you can fold clothes or drive home while not thinking about it at all.


The procedural system involves both habitual learning of what’s been done repeatedly and the learning of complex patterns, such as those in math or language. I finally understand why I can use the correct tense automatically when speaking English or follow the Zumba class after a couple of sessions without consciously thinking about what I need to say or do. And many math learning programmes are developed based on the procedural learning pathway.


This learning process is unconscious. Each repetition helps strengthen the sets of links in long-term memory. Repeatedly practising with the material help the development of connections via the procedural learning system.

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