Page 114 - Foundations of Learning, 4th Edition (Revised)

Ken was not so sure he understood the LPM, although the simple example with the digital watch helped.
He decided to use the LPM to analyze a past learning experience. Last year, he decided to learn to play
tennis. This had been a pretty successful learning experience for him, so he decided to apply the LPM to the
experience. He printed a blank LPM form from the course web site and filled it out. This is what he came
up with:

The Learning Process Methodology:

Ken Learns to Play Tennis (by Ken)

Scenario: I want to learn to play tennis. I’d like to learn it well enough to play, as well as
appreciate watching it on television. My son, Bobby, is beginning to play tennis at school,
so I’d like to know enough to help him. Next fall, we may go to New York City to watch the
US Open together.

Step Explanation
1 Why
We didn’t have tennis in my high school and I always wondered what it would
2 Orientation be like to play. Tennis is interesting to me on many levels. First of all, it is good
3 Prerequisites exercise. Second, while it is fun to watch on television now, it would be even
4 Learning Objectives more entertaining if I understood the rules of the game.
5 Performance Criteria
6 Vocabulary I have a passing familiarity with the game, having watched it on TV. I’ve reviewed
7 Information the basic rules of the game on a couple of web sites. I know that I’ll be focusing
8 Plan on playing singles and on a community court...nothing fancy, in other words!

9 Models Includes eye-hand coordination, the ability to read and interpret rules, and
10 Thinking Critically reasonable physical fitness and stamina.

I want to know enough about playing to keep up with Bobby and watch tennis
matches with an appreciation for the skill and strategy used.

I can play a game well enough to enjoy competition with another play (whose
skill level is close to my own), rather than focusing only upon the skills I’m
working to develop.

Terms to know: lines and locations: net, baseline, singles line; scoring: point,
game, set, match; shots: forehand, backhand, serve, volley, overhead, lob, drop-
shot; serve-related: ace, let, fault, double fault, foot fault

There are many sources of information; my local bookstore has a nice selection
of both books and DVDs. There are also many web sites that offer terminology,
tips, and rules. Tennis classes or private lessons are another potential resource.

I plan to study videos of professional tennis players and to pay greater atten-
tion when I watch tennis on TV. Bobby said that his coach also recommends
watching even amateur-level players and matches, because in assessing their
performance, actions, and strategy, you can strengthen your own mental game
and decision-making.

Study videos of pros; videotape myself and review with a tennis teacher; use
games that will help me keep my eye on the ball.

How do I keep score? What are the most important things to remember about
getting in the correct position to hit a forehand and backhand shot? How can
I best monitor and maximize my physical condition in order to play well? How
can I include my son and other family members in my new hobby?

108 Foundations of Learning