Below is a detailed, stage-by-stage discussion of learning experiences available to learners, presented chronologically and grounded in developmental psychology, pedagogy, and classroom practice. The emphasis is on what learners experience, how they learn best, and what types of activities and environments support them.
1. Infancy & Toddlerhood (0 – 2 years)
Nature of Learning at This Stage
Learning is sensory, motor-based, and experiential. The child learns mainly through interaction with people and objects.
Key Learning Experiences
Sensory exploration: touching, tasting, seeing, hearing, and smelling objects
Motor experiences: crawling, standing, walking, grasping
Language exposure: listening to voices, songs, rhymes, and simple words
Emotional bonding: attachment through care, eye contact, and affection
Learning Environment
Safe, stimulating, and responsive
Rich in sounds, colours, and textures
Educational Value
👉 Builds brain connections, trust, and readiness for later learning.
2. Early Childhood / Preschool Stage (3 – 5 years)
Nature of Learning
Learning is play-based, imaginative, and social.
Key Learning Experiences
Play learning: role play, building blocks, puzzles
Language experiences: storytelling, songs, conversation
Pre-academic exposure: letters, numbers, shapes, colours
Creative activities: drawing, painting, modelling
Social interaction: sharing, turn-taking, group play
Learning Environment
Activity corners (reading, art, play, nature)
Flexible and child-friendly
Educational Value
👉 Develops creativity, language, self-control, and early thinking skills.
3. Early Primary Stage (5 – 7 years)
Nature of Learning
Learning becomes guided, structured, and concrete.
Key Learning Experiences
Hands-on learning: counting objects, letter cards, manipulatives
Guided reading and writing: phonics, simple sentences
Teacher-led instruction: demonstrations and explanations
Short collaborative tasks: pair and small group work
Moral and social learning: classroom rules, cooperation
Learning Environment
Structured classrooms with visual aids
Supportive and encouraging atmosphere
Educational Value
👉 Builds foundational literacy, numeracy, and classroom discipline.
4. Middle Primary Stage (7 – 9 years)
Nature of Learning
Learning is skill-building, exploratory, and increasingly independent.
Key Learning Experiences
Reading for understanding: stories, short chapters
Problem-solving tasks: word problems, puzzles
Project-based learning: simple investigations
Use of learning materials: charts, maps, flashcards
Peer collaboration: group discussions and tasks
Learning Environment
Print-rich classroom
Opportunities for guided independence
Educational Value
👉 Strengthens fluency, comprehension, reasoning, and confidence.
5. Upper Primary Stage (9 – 11 years)
Nature of Learning
Learning shifts to conceptual understanding and application.
Key Learning Experiences
Reading to learn: textbooks, informational texts
Experiments and investigations: basic science activities
Research skills: using dictionaries and reference books
Creative writing and presentations: summaries, reports
Assessment experiences: quizzes, tests, projects
Learning Environment
More academic and resource-oriented
Encourages responsibility and independence
Educational Value
👉 Prepares learners for secondary education and abstract thinking.
6. Junior Secondary Stage (11 – 14 years)
Nature of Learning
Learning is analytical, comparative, and subject-specific.
Key Learning Experiences
Subject-based instruction: sciences, arts, social studies
Critical reading and discussion: debates, text analysis
Practical experiences: labs, workshops, ICT usage
Collaborative learning: group projects and presentations
Moral and civic education: values, identity, responsibility
Learning Environment
Laboratory-equipped and ICT-supported
Teacher as facilitator
Educational Value
👉 Develops reasoning, discipline-based thinking, and identity.
7. Senior Secondary Stage (14 – 17 years)
Nature of Learning
Learning is abstract, evaluative, and goal-oriented.
Key Learning Experiences
Advanced academic reading: literature, textbooks, case studies
Independent study: assignments, term papers
Critical thinking tasks: analysis, evaluation, synthesis
Career-related exposure: vocational subjects, guidance
Examination preparation: WAEC, NECO, JAMB-style learning
Learning Environment
Exam-focused but intellectually stimulating
Encourages autonomy and responsibility
Educational Value
👉 Prepares learners for higher education, careers, and adulthood.
8. Tertiary Education Stage (18+ years)
Nature of Learning
Learning becomes self-directed, research-based, and professional.
Key Learning Experiences
Lectures and seminars
Research projects and dissertations
Practical training: SIWES, internships, teaching practice
Critical engagement with texts: journals, theories
Collaborative academic discourse: presentations, peer review
Learning Environment
Resource-rich academic institutions
Emphasis on independence
Educational Value
👉 Produces skilled professionals and critical thinkers.
9. Adult & Lifelong Learning Stage
Nature of Learning
Learning is purposeful, experiential, and self-motivated.
Key Learning Experiences
Professional development: workshops, certifications
Informal learning: reading, online courses, mentoring
Community learning: faith-based, civic, vocational learning
Reflective learning: life experiences and problem-solving
Educational Value
👉 Sustains relevance, adaptability, and personal growth.
SYNOPTIC OVERVIEW TABLE
Dominant Learning Experience
Stage
Infancy
Sensory and motor exploration
Early Childhood
Play-based learning
Early Primary
Guided hands-on learning
Middle Primary
Skill building & exploration
Upper Primary
Conceptual application
Junior Secondary
Analytical subject learning
Senior Secondary
Abstract & evaluative learning
Tertiary
Research & professional learning
Adult
Experiential lifelong learning