Book Review
Learning and Motivation in the Postsecondary Classroom
Book Review By Tanya M. Marcum

Summary of the Book

This book takes a look at the way most students learn and process new information. The book applies findings and theories of educational psychology to the faculty of higher education. Both cognitive and constructivism educational theories are discussed and then applied to the higher education classroom. The major sections of the book revolve around the kinds of learning questions and tasks that confront most of us in our classrooms. It then looks at ways to motivate students in the classroom.

In the first part of the book, Marilla describes the two theories of educational psychology. She uses a civil war example to explain how students process information focusing on the need for students to learn basic content in the classroom environment. She stresses that students usually learn best if what they are expected to learn is connected in some way to something they already know so the student can organize this new information into their long-term memory. Using the new information in a setting other than the classroom also helps both learning and retention. Learning occurs as a sequence of events. It is important for students to understand the difference between memorizing definitions and lists, and actually understanding the content of a principle. Marilla explains the learning process of students, how to assist students in developing their learning skills, retention and use of information by students, and strategies for students to help themselves in their learning process.

The second part of the book focuses on motivation. It is important that the student sees the value in the information from an individual course. Students are motivated by methods in the classroom that are interesting, novel, and provide variety to the student. The author does not provide concrete motivational ideas, just theories of motivation.

Overall Evaluation

The title of the book seems to be slightly misleading. If you are looking for a book that gives you specific teaching examples to take into your classroom, this is not the book for you. However, this book gives a detailed look at how students learn. Once we understand how a student processes new information and retains it, we can get methods useful for the motivation of the students both inside and outside of the classroom.

References
Title: Learning and Motivation in the Postsecondary Classroom
Author: Marilla D. Svinicki
Publisher: Anker Publishing Company, Inc.
Pages: Hardcover, 263 Pages
ISBN: 1-882982-59-2
List Price: $39.95

Reviewed by Tanya M. Marcum, Assistant Professor
Department of Finance and Law
College of Business Administration
Central Michigan University