Preface

I once had a student ask if it was okay to change their mind about something. My response was, “It is your ethical responsibility to change your mind for the rest of your life.” As lifelong learners, we should constantly grow in knowledge and understanding. With new knowledge comes the responsibility to reflect, reassess, and, when necessary, readjust our thinking, beliefs, and behaviors.

Learning is a joy, a reward in itself, and the driving force behind personal and collective progress. As educators, we not only teach subjects but also foster the processes that enable students to learn effectively. Learning about how we learn is essential to unlocking our own potential and empowering others to do the same. For me, teaching this subject has been transformative. Over the years, my beliefs, values, and ways of being have evolved dramatically, shaped by the privilege of guiding others. I hope this evolution never stops because I strive for excellence—not just for myself, but for you, the learners, who possess untapped potential you may not yet recognize.

Grounded in theoretical and evidence-based practices, this book provides a comprehensive overview of how students learn. By adopting an integrated approach, it explores learning and teaching from both learners and teachers’ perspectives. Although its primary goal is to equip K-12 preservice teachers with the tools and knowledge to create positive, effective, and impactful learning environments for their future students, the principles are broadly relevant and extend far beyond the classroom. Learning and teaching are foundational to all relationships and life contexts.

In the fall of 2024, I began exploring Open Educational Resources (OER), compiling, and adapting this material, ensuring it is comprehensive, aligned with course goals, and accessible to all students. This resource remains a work in progress, reflecting our shared journey of growth, and I am honored to share it with you.

I invite you to join me in this learning adventure. Together, let’s embrace the joy of learning and its potential to transform not only ourselves but also the lives of those we teach.