Welcome to Learning Initiatives

“Learning can be externally encouraged, but only internally initiated. Such a statement, however, in no way relieves a teacher of serious responsibility and the effort that goes into effective classroom behavior. These ideas, in fact, point out clearly that good teaching entails a great deal more than abundant knowledge clearly articulated. The real goal of teaching is to persuade students to initiate their internal learning processes.” -Robert Leamnson, Thinking About Teaching and Learning

“A fundamental idea that you will encounter over and again, is that learning is not something that just happens to you, it is something that you do to yourself. You cannot be “given” learning, nor can you be forced to do it. The most brilliant and inspired teacher cannot “cause” you to learn. Only you can do that.” -Robert Leamnson, Learning: Your First Job

Welcome to the Learning Initiatives website of the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology. Here we offer our best tools and practices for teaching and learning, based on what we know about how learners learn.

We envision an education informed by well-designed experiences in which students become autonomous learners. Our mission is to provide students and instructors with the theories, information, and tools to improve the quality of learning. We do this in two primary ways: supporting instructors in their efforts to design problem-based learning situations and engaging students as informed participants in their learning.

In reading our web page, you will find more information on the activities that we support:

We hope you find what you need. Let us know how this web site works for you. We look forward to hearing your questions and comments!

Lisa Lenze
Director