Collective learning modeling based on the kinetic theory of active particles

•Collective perception and learning are interpreted and classified.•Heterogeneity and non-linearity are expected to play a central role.•The Kinetic Theory of active particles provides a unified framework for the modeling.•The dynamics of probability distributions offers deep insights into learning processes.

This paper proposes a systems approach to the theory of perception and learning in populations composed of many living entities. Starting from a phenomenological description of these processes, a mathematical structure is derived which is deemed to incorporate their complexity features. The modeling is based on a generalization of kinetic theory methods where interactions are described by theoretical tools of game theory. As an application, the proposed approach is used to model the learning processes that take place in a classroom.