Lernquelle

Lernquelle is a German term used in educational contexts to denote any source from which a learner obtains knowledge or skills. The compound combines Lernen (to learn) and Quelle (source). In pedagogical discourse, Lernquellen are differentiated from Lernziel (learning goal) and Lernumgebung (learning environment).

Types include primary Lernquellen such as original materials, experiments, instructor presentations, and direct experiences; secondary Lernquellen such as textbooks, articles, summaries, and encyclopedic entries; and digital Lernquellen such as online courses, videos, interactive simulations, and forums.

Role in learning: learners assemble a repertoire of Lernquellen to support instruction, practice, and reflection. The choice of sources depends on relevance, credibility, accessibility, language, and alignment with goals. Self-regulated learning often involves evaluating and integrating multiple Lernquellen.

Quality and evaluation: It is important to assess authority, accuracy, currency, bias, and copyright. In formal education, teachers guide selection and critically examine sources; digital literacy emphasizes verifying online Lernquellen and avoiding low-quality material. In research contexts, Lernquellen are categorized as primary or secondary, with further distinctions such as tertiary sources.

Lernquellen often include open educational resources and other shared materials, reflecting a broader movement toward accessible learning. The concept remains flexible across disciplines and languages, adapting to changes in technology and pedagogy.