To answer the question of "what" we learn, we know there are four types of information acquisition: transmission, acquisition, accretion, and emergence.  Transmission is the transfer of knowledge from one person to another by demonstration, guidance, or direct instruction.  It's the traditional way that we envision teaching, but it really only accounts for a small amount of what we learn in our lifetimes.  Acquisition is conscious research, guided by the learner.  This includes exploration, experimentation, and curiosity.