Invaluable

Book review by Midwest Book Review

The Self-Education Manual employs the SEM Learning System’s tried-and-tested methods to
impart techniques and approaches for self-education. This will attract a wide audience. This
book is designed for learners interested in absorbing and applying these methods to their
own educational pursuits, but requires no prior familiarity with either SEM or the principles
behind it.
 
Opening chapters review the hows and whys of learning before delving into the meat of the
presentation: applying flowcharts, “decision trees,” and various study methods to further
one’s training.
 
The review of the logical learning opportunities of SEM is conducted by an experienced
educator who builds a progressive foundation of study, contributing to the reader’s ability
to self-assess the results of their efforts.
 
Chapters delve into science study methodology with an eye to tailoring SEM approaches so
that students can better understand not only how to apply them, but when:
 
Before diving into Summarizing, a continuation of the current step was needed for more Pre-
Writing by making observations and writing any strategies that come to mind. During the
Summarizing process, a break was taken to employ the Interleaved Practice study method to
compare and contrast similar concepts before returning to Summarizing. Upon reviewing the
planned Why Question and Self-explanation study methods, one realizes that only the Why
Question method appears to be needed at this time. The anticipated need for the Self-
explanation study method may well come into play later when studying new learning objects
resulting from applying the Learner-Generated Scenario study method.
 
The contents are imparted in a scholarly, yet accessible manner that will give college-level
self-learners a boost in developing their own strategies for research, review, and greater
understanding.
 
Quizzes, observations, and the methodology imparted also receive visual embellishments (in
black and white and color), which helps break up the admittedly weighty instructions and
scientific insights under consideration here.
 

An accompanying (separate) workbook furthers the exercises and applications—but The
Self-Education Manual should be consulted first, as it builds reader knowledge of the system
and its benefits. This approach encourages a greater understanding of various study
methods which, when contrasted, offer a smorgasbord of opportunities for better results.
Gary Dean Petersen reviews a logically organized, proven course of study—actually, a
revolutionary idea. As these methods are paired with novel insights, students will find the
approach applicable to and invaluable for all kinds of studies; not just science.
 
Libraries catering to high school to university students will find The Self-Education
Manual an essential program contributing to more effective student study habits and
efforts.