Learning about merit (4)
I believe the answer is:
earn
'merit' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'learning about' is the wordplay.
'about' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue (the clue goes around or about the answer).
'EARN' can be found hidden inside 'learning'.
(Other definitions for earn that I've seen before include "Gain by working" , "Merit through work or effort" , "There's merit" , "Warrant" , "Bring home" .)