Processing Constraints on Learning

This chapter discusses three types of processing constraints on learning. The first type arises from the learning process itself. The other two constraints arise from two naturally occurring memory processes: consolidation and reconsolidation. With respect to learning constraints, the chapter discusses research suggesting that learning is a dynamically guided process, arising in the interaction of internal and external pressures, and one that is fairly robust with respect to noisy input. With respect to memory processes instrumental in learning, it describes findings that demonstrate a type of memory consolidation occurring with sleep; one that results in generalization to novel cases. Another set of findings demonstrates how the process of memory reconsolidation enables memory change. Both memory processes are important for understanding how children sustain sensitivity to prior knowledge while incorporating new information.