Helping a learner to be sensible (8)
I believe the answer is:
rational
'sensible' is the definition.
(associated in meaning)
'helping a learner' is the wordplay.
'helping' becomes 'ration' (a ration is a serving or helping).
'learner' becomes 'l'.
'ration'+'a'+'l'='RATIONAL'
'to be' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for rational that I've seen before include "Of sound mind -- not a liar (anag)" , "Sane, based on logic" , "In accordance with logic" , "Conforming to reason" , "Reasonable, logical" .)