Optimizing the Learning Process in Higher Education: The Six Process Features of Learning

Human learning is characterised by six process features: learning is active, constructive, emotional, self-regulated, situated, and social. However, teaching often fails to adequately honour these features, particularly within higher education. To address this issue, we explain the six process features of learning and present examples of how to integrate them in class. As this article is intended for lecturers teaching at higher education institutions, we offer methodological guidance by providing additional material including visualizations, a didactic self-assessment tool, and posters that can be applied in diverse classroom settings, aiming to enhance teaching practices across disciplines.

Publication Details

Journal
Repository for Publications and Research Data (ETH Zurich)
Published
2025-03-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000737851
Primary Topic
Evaluation of Teaching Practices
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Optimizing the Learning Process in Higher Education: The Six Process Features of Learning

Repository for Publications and Research Data (ETH Zurich)
Evaluation of Teaching Practices
article

Optimizing the Learning Process in Higher Education: The Six Process Features of Learning

article en

Abstract

Human learning is characterised by six process features: learning is active, constructive, emotional, self-regulated, situated, and social. However, teaching often fails to adequately honour these features, particularly within higher education. To address this issue, we explain the six process features of learning and present examples of how to integrate them in class. As this article is intended for lecturers teaching at higher education institutions, we offer methodological guidance by providing additional material including visualizations, a didactic self-assessment tool, and posters that can be applied in diverse classroom settings, aiming to enhance teaching practices across disciplines.

Repository for Publications and Research Data (ETH Zurich)
Quality Education
Openalex Percentile: Top 43%
Evaluation of Teaching Practices
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Optimizing the Learning Process in Higher Education: The Six Process Features of Learning · Repository for Publications and Research Data (ETH Zurich) (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS