Page 36 - Learning to Learn

READING EXPERIENCE 2: BECOMING A MASTER LEARNER
36 L EARNING TO LEARN: BECOMING A SELF-GROWER
Stage 2: Performing a Learning Activity
Implement action for learning: The process of building new knowledge (learning something new)
involves constructing and following a plan with a set of tasks which results in meeting the learning
objectives and established performance criteria. The plan should include the use of information, models,
and questions which require critical thought. Models and examples help the learner to explore and
build understanding about what is being learned. Knowledge is constructed by thinking critically which
involves asking and answering key questions.
Apply what you have learned: A measure of true understanding and learning is the presence or
absence of a learner’s ability to transfer what has been learned to new contexts and apply knowledge
in new and different ways to solve problems.
Stage 3: Assessing and Building New Knowledge
Assess the learning process: The learning process can be improved if a learner becomes proficient
at self-assessing his or her performance while he or she is learning. By focusing on strengths and
areas for improvement, a learner can use this information to improve his or her performance in the next
learning situation.
Construct new knowledge: A learner becomes a “self-learner” when he or she continues the learning
process to conduct research and construct new knowledge which builds upon prior knowledge.
This includes applying knowledge in new contexts, creating new methodologies, and making new
interpretations or understanding things in a new way.
The steps for the Learning Process Methodology (LPM) are presented below, followed by an example of
how the LPM can be applied to situations that require learning. It is not critical that you memorize the
LPM, but it is important that you become familiar enough with it that you can apply it to actual learning
situations.
Step Explanation
Stage 1: Preparing to Learn
1 Why Identify and explain your reasons for learning.
2 Orientation Develop a systematic overview of what is to be learned.
3 Prerequisites Identify necessary skills and background knowledge needed to perform
the learning.
4 Learning Objectives Set appropriate goals and objectives for the learning activity.
5 Performance Criteria Determine specific desired outcomes used to measure and gauge
performance.
6 Vocabulary Identify and learn key terminology.
7 Information Collect, read, and study appropriate resources.