This document identifies five types of learning experiences which are relevant to understanding students' understanding of concepts and principles. These include exploring existing concepts, honing and clustering concepts, developing analytical and reasoning skills, developing problem solving skills, and structuring knowledge in memory. Each of these learning experiences is presented with research results and some of the instructional methods and classroom techniques identified for a rich learning environment. This paper addresses issues on student learning and provides enthusiastic learning experiences for students in the classroom. (Contains 48 references.) (YDS)