Plain English Meaning
Learning the idea behind a group of related things, so that when you meet a new example you recognize it and know how to handle it, even though you have never seen that exact case before.
Full Definition
A type of learning in which the student groups objects, events, or ideas by their shared characteristics, recognizes the underlying pattern, and applies that understanding to new but similar situations. It moves beyond memorizing individual facts to grasping the principle that connects them.
Context Anchor
Seen in flight instructor training when discussing how students learn ideas such as aircraft stability, airport signs, weather patterns, or safe decision-making.
Derivation
Concept comes from the Latin conceptus, meaning something formed in the mind. So concept learning is literally learning the mental idea that ties many examples together, not just the examples themselves.
Why Pilots Care
A who has only memorized struggles when change. A pilot who has learned the concept behind those procedures can adapt safely to a the textbook did not specifically cover.