Learning and the process of learning has been a topic of debate for social anthropologists, psychologists, sociologists and philosophers for centuries. The more commonly accepted theories include the psychoanalytic theory, cognitive-developmental theory, and the learning theory. Robert Gagne, Walter Dick, and Lou Carey made significant contributions to instructional design and education methodology. Gagne was a behaviorist and his theory, the Nine Steps of Instruction, is based on student behavioral performance. In contrast, Dick and Carey were cognitivists and their model aids the process of planning a lesson. Both theories have had a significant and lasting impact on schools and on workplace training. Both theories are essential to educating new teachers and corporate trainers today. The author presents an assessment of the various learning theories as well as shares his beliefs concerning the process of learning.