Page 9 - Foundations of Learning, 4th Edition (Revised)

Processes

A process is a series of actions that add value to a result. Processes are the foundation of the learning
you will achieve by using this book. Learning is itself a process. Other examples of processes are:
information processing, reading, writing, utilizing technology, and assessment.

Methodologies

Methodologies organize processes and are an invaluable tool for performing complex actions. You
can think of a methodology as a recipe. Have you had friends over for dinner and wanted to fix them
something special? You may have depended on a recipe to help you make that perfect meal. To get it
right, you followed each step very carefully. A dish can be ruined if the eggs are beat too much or if an
ingredient is added before beating, rather than after!

In this book, we’ll cover eight methodologies which are critical to your success as a student. They are
similar to recipes; each lays out a series of steps for you to follow to help you become better at some
aspect in the process of learning. We introduce these methodologies in order to provide you with the
tools you need to become more adept at performing the associated activities, each of which is especially
critical for college students. Here are those methodologies and the chapters in which you will encounter
them:

Reading Methodology (Ch. 3) Information Processing Methodology (Ch. 8)
Learning Process Methodology (Ch. 4) Writing Methodology (Ch. 11)
Problem Solving Methodology (Ch. 5) Communication Methodology (Ch. 12)
Personal Development Methodology (Ch. 7) Assessment Methodology (Ch. 13)

Assessment

Assessment is a process used for improving quality. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? But, who performs an
assessment and when? And how? Throughout this book, you will learn to perform assessments, using
the SII Method of Assessing. This type of assessment has three parts: Strengths, Areas for Improvement,
and Insights (SII). You will be encouraged to assess yourself, your own work, and the work of your
peers. Your professor or instructor will be using assessment as well. But don’t worry; assessment is
about improving quality, not judging it.

Rubrics

Starting with the first chapter, we’ll be talking to you about levels of performance and levels of learning.
You’ll be asked to identify your current level and the level toward which you are moving. How will
you be able to make those determinations? Throughout the book, you’ll be provided with tools called
rubrics. These are tables or charts which describe the characteristics of different levels of performance.
We think you’ll find them very helpful and informative.

Collaborative Learning

What kind of learner are you? As a child, you probably learned from watching and playing with other
children. In a future job, you will most likely work on project teams. As a student you can increase and
improve your learning by working with others. You’ll notice that many of the activities in the book
involve working as part of a team. We have no doubt that you’ll find that teamwork skills are beneficial
to you not only as a student, but in your professional (and personal) life as well.

How to Use this Book 3