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ADULT LEARNING

Adult Learning…

Adult learning is any "post-compulsory" learning. 

It is a broad term that can comprise formal college education; job related training, community education, or self improvement. 

Andragogy uses approaches to

learning that are problem-based and collaborative rather than didactic

emphasizes more quality between the teacher and learner

Theory of Adult Education

Andragogy was originally used by Alexander Kapp but was later developed into a theory of adult education by the American educator Malcolm Knowles.

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Knowles asserted that andragogy (Greek: "man-leading") should be distinguished from the more commonly used pedagogy (Greek: "child-leading").

Andragogy vs. Pedagogy

Knowles’ Andragogical Assumptions

concept of the learner

role of the learner’s experience

readiness to learn

orientation to learning

need to know

motivation

Types of Education and Settings for Learning

Formal Schools and universities

Nonformal Organized outside the formal

system

Informal From everyday interactions

Characteristics of Adult Learners

autonomous and self-directed

 have accumulated a foundation of life experiences and knowledge

goal-oriented relevancy-oriented  practical need to be shown

respect

Motivating the Adult Learner

social relationships external expectations social welfare personal

advancement escape/stimulation cognitive interest

Barriers lack of time, money,

confidence, or interest lack of information about

opportunities to learn scheduling problems "red tape" problems with child care transportation motivation factors

Critical Elements of Learning

Motivation Reinforcement Retention Transference

Adults learn best when… Prior learning is

appreciated and/or rewarded 

Subject matter is relevant to their needs

Full of partial opportunity for self direction is provided 

They can employ critical reflection 

Mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn 

Instruction provides opportunity for interaction 

Dialog is part of the learning 

Practical/hands-on experience is part of the learning

Experiencing

Reflection and sharing

Interpreting

Generalizing

Applying

Revising and repeating

Adult

Experiential

Learning

Cycle

Important Points of Adult Learning

Adults will commit to learning when the goals and objectives are considered realistic and important to them.

Adults want to be the origin of their own learning and will resist learning activities they believe are an attack on their competence.

Adult learning has ego involved. Adults need to participate in

small-group activities during the learning.

Important Points of Adult Learning

Adults need to receive feedback on how they are doing and the results of their efforts.

Adult learners come to learning with a wide range of previous experiences, knowledge, self-direction, interests, and competencies.

Transfer of learning for adults is not automatic and must be facilitated.