Page 113 - International Journal of Process Educaiton (Special Issue)

Learning Process Methodology (1990) CD

The Learning Process Methodology is a 14-step model of the learning process that is the corner-
stone for both learning to learn and Process Education. As such, the Learning Process Methodology
is nearly omnipresent, with particularly obvious utility in activity design, facilitation, assessment
of learning performance, measurement of levels of learning, and implementation of learning skills
within the learning process.

An abstract model of the generalized learning process was of how the Learning Process Model can be used together
developed at the first Problem Solving Across the Cur- with active and collaborative learning to help students im-
riculum Conference at Wells College (Kramer & Beery, prove their critical thinking and problem solving skills in
1990). After the formal conference had ended, 20 faculty engineering classrooms is found in Using a Learning Pro-
members stayed an extra day in order to collaborate in pro- cess Model to Enhance Learning with Technology (Apple,
ducing a model of the learning process. The Learning Pro- Beyerlein & Ford, 1993). The model and the experience
cess Model was first shared in the Notes for the Teaching gained through classroom practice were integrated into
Institute (Apple, 1991) and was then formally published in Teach for Learning: A Handbook for Process Education
the opening chapter of Learning through Problem Solving (Pacific Crest, 1993) and used in Pacific Crest's Teaching
(Apple, Beyerlein & Schlesinger, 1992). In each subse- Institutes.
quent chapter the learning activity reinforced the Learning
Process Model in order to strengthen learner understand- The Learning Process Model was later upgraded and
ing and use of the model. The model proved attractive became the Learning Process Methodology (LPM; see
and began to be used in select classrooms. A discussion Figure 1) in the pre-market edition of Foundations of
Learning (Pacific Crest, 1995). That same year the LPM

Figure 1 Learning Process Methodology

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.

Stage 2: Performing a Learning Activity

8 Planning Develop a plan of action to meet the performance criteria.

9 Using Models Study and review examples that assist in meeting the learning objectives and
performance criteria.

10 Thinking Critically Pose and answer questions that stimulate thought and promote understanding.

11 Transferring/Applying Transfer knowledge to different contexts; apply knowledge in new situations.

12 Problem Solving Use knowledge in problem-solving situations.

Stage 3: Assessing and Building New Knowledge

13 Self-assessment Assess use of the learning process and mastery of the material learned.

14 Research Create and develop knowledge that is new and unique.

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