Lincoln as Learner: Self-Directed Learning Flashcards

Vocabulary and key concepts from the study of Abraham Lincoln's life through the lens of self-directed learning and the Person Process Context (PPC) model.

Self-directed learning (SDL)

A process where individuals take primary responsibility for their own learning to solve problems, as demonstrated by Abraham Lincoln throughout his youth, law years, and presidency.

Person (PPC Model)

The component of the Person Process Context model referring to individual characteristics such as psychological factors, life experience, motivation, resilience, and attitude toward learning.

Process (PPC Model)

The component of the Person Process Context model involving actual teaching and learning interactions, including learning skills, styles, planning, organizing, and evaluating abilities.

Context (PPC Model)

The component of the Person Process Context model referring to the environmental and sociopolitical climate, including culture, class, power, and political milieu.

Gibbons et al. (1980) Characteristics

A list of 20 traits common to successful self-directed learners, the top 10 of which include industriousness, perseverance, curiosity, and single-minded pursuit.

Sara Bush Johnson

Lincoln’s stepmother and first teacher/mentor who encouraged him to develop his intellect and fostered his hunger for books.

William Herndon

Lincoln’s longtime Springfield law partner who recalled Lincoln’s habit of reading aloud to listen to the sound of words before giving a speech.

Almanac of 1857

The scientific resource Lincoln used in a 1858 murder trial to prove that the moon was not high in the sky, resulting in the acquittal of William 'Duff' Armstrong.

Team of Rivals

An ingenious strategy used by Lincoln during his presidency to solve problems by creating a Cabinet made up of his political competitors.

Single-minded pursuit

A quality of a self-directed learner demonstrated by Lincoln when he prioritized preserving the Union and ending slavery above all other difficulties.