...Articles Adult learning theory is fully discussed and explained in the articles; “Adult Learning Theory: Applications to Non-Traditional College Students “(Kenner, Weinerman) and “Adult learning styles and on-line educational preference” (McGlone). The articles describe multiple aspects of how an adult learns compared to a child and what life experiences adults bring into their educational environment. Adult learning theory is based on the way to adult learners comprehend and learn as they are older adults and not children. This theory also studies how adults learn when studying online. Newer adult learners bring learning styles and life experiences that provide a more critical foundation. Online learning is now the new basis for adult learners. To understand how adult learning theory works, the teacher must first understand andragogy, which is an advanced field of psychology in which the age of the learner, is studied. An andragogy study is a process-focused approach and was not studied until the 1960s and 1970s. Before that, only pedagogy was studied, which is the way that children learn. Children and adults learn completely different. In recent research, it is shown that adults learn best with a self-paced learning environment, which means instruction from the teacher and all of the guidance done solely by the students. Most adult learners are more eager than traditional students to learn since this is normally their second chance at a good education. Most adult learners...
Words: 1264 - Pages: 6
...Adult Learning Theory SD Liberty University Online INFT 101-B65 March 8, 2013 Summary The two articles on adult learning theory studied were “ALT: Application to Non-Traditional College Students” written by Cari Kenner and Jason Weinerman and “ALT for the Twenty-First Century” by Sharan B. Merriam. Both of these articles point out that having a passion for teaching is the most important thing. In “ALT: Application to Non-Traditional College Students”, the author begins by giving an example of one of the reasons many people take the route of not going to school and go straight into a job that will provide the training they need in order to be successful at it. It also gives one of the many reasons why an adult decides to go back to school. Many people, upon high school graduation lack the resources to continue to go to college and earn a degree (Weinerman & Kenner, 2011). This article focuses on what educators should do to help adult students be successful in completing a college degree. The authors say, “By understanding what makes adult learners different from traditional students, developmental educators can provide specific tools that help adult learners integrate into the college or university environment and increase their chances for success” (Weinerman & Kenner, 2011). The article goes on by talking about four principles that describe adult learners: self-direction, self-identity, ready to learn, and task motivated (Weinerman & Kenner, 2011). The second...
Words: 712 - Pages: 3
...There is no single explanation or all-encompassing theory that explains how adults learn. The adult learning process is complex, context bound, and highly personal. As a result, there is no single theory of learning that can be applied to all adults. Instead, the literature of the past century has yielded a variety of models, sets of assumptions and principles, theories, and explanations that make up the adult learning knowledge base. The more adult educators are familiar with this knowledge base, the more effective their practice can be, and the more responsive it can be to the needs of adult learners. This fact sheet reviews three major theories and discusses their implications for practice. What is Andragogy? In attempting to document differences between the ways adults and children learn, Malcolm Knowles (1980) popularized the concept of andragogy (“the art and science of helping adults learn”), contrasting it with pedagogy (“the art and science of teaching children”). He posited a set of assumptions about adult learners, namely, that the adult learner • Moves from dependency to increasing self-directedness as he/she matures and can direct his/her own learning; • Draws on his/her accumulated reservoir of life experiences to aid learning; • Is ready to learn when he/she assumes new social or life roles; • Is problem-centered and wants to apply new learning immediately; and • Is motivated to learn from internal, rather than external, factors. Inherent in these assumptions are...
Words: 1656 - Pages: 7
...Adult Learning Theory June 18, 2013 Summary This paper will explore developments in Adult Learning Theory from two different perspectives. First, in Sharan Merriam’s article, she discusses changes in current adult learning theory thought and how this impacts the future of learning environments for adults (Merriam, 2008). Then, Sandlin, Wright, & Clark present an argument on adult learning theory as viewed from a societal or cultural perspective with the world as the classroom as opposed to brick and mortar buildings (Sandlin, Wright, & Clark, 2011). Finally, the authors’ conclusions will be compared to discover if there is a common ground where the authors meet. Sharan Merriam is a well-known, published professor in the field of adult learning. In the first part of her article she outlines three major developments in adult learning theory. Merriam states, “The only constant across three updates is … transformational learning” (Merriam, 2008, p. 93). One major development is an expansion of thought into the complexity of adult learning. Another is the context in which learning takes place is growing in importance. Lastly, adult learning is not merely a cognitive process. “Adult learning is a multi-dimensional phenomenon…” (Merriam, 2008, p. 94). Transformational learning requires the student to be able to reflect and analyze one’s own thoughts as well as, the thoughts of others. This is crucial for adult learning to be successful (Merriam, 2008). Sandlin...
Words: 978 - Pages: 4
...Adult Learning Theories Barbara Todd February 20, 2013 INFT101 Module 6 Summary Adult Learning Theories look at how life experiences of adults can affect their learning positively and negatively. Research shows that adults process information differently because of their life experience and a need for job skills. This research allows educators to guide adults through the learning process in a non-traditional manner. Both articles look at how adults learn new information and how professors can assist them in their learning process. According to Kenner and Weinerman, the adult student who is going back to school after being in the workforce needs to expand their skills. Adult students may have life experiences that regulate how they learn which may be insufficient for the demand of the scholastic atmosphere because our skills and experiences may hinder how we retain the information. This information will help teachers develop ways for adult students to fit into college life (Kenner and Weinerman, 2011). Merriam’s research focuses on how the adult student’s learning process is different today than 12 years ago, because more emphasis is placed on the history and sociology. Adult background and cultural is now considered an important element in comprehending adult students. The knowledge gained in a person’s job helps them react to the standards set and the setting that learning takes place in. Realizing how adults gain knowledge broadens the comprehension for how...
Words: 768 - Pages: 4
...April 25, 2013 INFT 101- D92 LUO Summary Adult learning Theory is some times referred to as Andragogy. This theory is based on characteristics on how adults learn. The three steps related to adult learning are experience, critical reflection and development. Research conducted on adult learning theory helps to understand how adults learn better and activities can be developed to enhance their learning skills. Adult learning theory is a self-directed learning based on the assumption that education should focus on the development of the adult learner (Merriam, 2008). It enables the adult learner to become more in control and free. Today’s Army is composed of Soldiers who have chosen to serve voluntary to achieve various goals in life (Wilson & Smith, 2012). Soldiers may pursue education to get promoted to the next rank or to be able to get a job when they transition to Civilian life (Wilson & Smith, 2012). Recent studies conducted show the unemployment rate among veterans higher than non-veteran unemployment rates. Many Soldiers transition out with no intention to go to college although that was their intention when they joined the Military. Academic counselor have resolved that adult learning theory as a part of life mission is important in advising Soldiers make career based decisions (Wilson & Smith, 2012). Advisors use developmental academic advising, intrusive academic advising and prescriptive academic advising when they have...
Words: 984 - Pages: 4
...Running head: ADULT LEARNING THEORY: ANDRAGOGY1 Adult Learning Theory: Andragogy Jonathan S. Ponce American Public University System Author Note Jonathan Ponce for COLL 100, American Public University System, taught by Instructor Anthony Underhill ADULT LEARNING THEORY: ANDRAGOGY2 Abstract The andragogy theory can best be defined as the art and science of helping adults learn. This paper will explore exactly what the andragogy theory is and how it differs from pedagogy. A few examples of earlier andragogy strategies used in adult education were group discussions, interviews, and joint problem solving sessions. Now a days we see online tools such as discussion forums and blogs being used online to promote learning among adult learners. Simply put, andragogy is an organized and sustained effort to assist adults to learn in a way that enhances their capacity to function as self directed learners. ( Mezirow 1981) But does this method really only apply to adults? Could it be used by the younger learners before they reach adulthood? Is either method greater or more efficient than the other? Though mostly seen as a useful tool in adult education, studies into andragogy have shown that there are flaws within the core principles that conflict with its purpose of being a more...
Words: 1656 - Pages: 7
...related to students who are presently involved in any type of formal education, reveals that the numbers of adults in the search for education is rapidly rising. Statistics also show the reasons that drive adults to enroll in adult education as well as the advantage and or disadvantage they possess over a younger person. To develop a more adequate adult learning system, the federal and the states governments, have united efforts to come up with satisfactory methods of approaching adult educational environment, which would aid education institutions and teachers to develop styles to support adults to reach their educational goals. In an attempt to explain the reasons an adult seeks to achieve a higher cultural level, the essayist is going to summarize the perception from different scholars. Follow by the author’s personal experience in the field and seal the writing with the writer’s personal reflection on the discussed theme. The technological advances from the present digital era have engendered the need for highly trained laborers. Presently, jobs for unskilled workers are scarce, while trained labors have a considerable demand. This phenomenon triggered the individual interest on adults to seek for a better education. Besides the highly competitive rate from the contemporary operational forces, there are other peripheral compels, such as parenthood that urge the adult population to hunt for a better education, (Dorch, B.; 2012.) Durch explains, that by “September 2009, BMO...
Words: 1526 - Pages: 7
...1. Reflect on a time when you integrated adult learning theory when assisting a teacher with their instructional practices. For the past three years, I have been working closely with the Employment and Onboard Department (EOD) as a Mentor Teacher Leader. Such opportunity allowed me not only to reflect on my teaching practices but also on the struggles that Newly Hired teachers are confronted with. In the case of adult learners, is relevant to inform them about why they need to know what they are learning and how the knowledge will improve their situation. Additional, due to self-motivation adults prefer learning by experimenting rather than lecture; therefore, a use of problem-solving approach. A perfect example of such encountering was two...
Words: 301 - Pages: 2
...101-MODULE/WEEK 6 ALTP SUMMARY INTRODUCTION Adult Learning Theories are formulated based on the intellect of adults. The obstacles one many have in their personal life that could hinder their performance. Instructors use these theories in order to structure the learning material and what criteria their students fall under. Every student is unique, their situation, circumstances, and life experiences differ from one another. The intention of adult learning theories are to give scholars an insight on the learning process. ARTICLE 1 The article written by Cari Kenner and Jason Weinerman goes into detail of how and why it is critical to consider and comprehend the different perspectives, culture differences, life experiences, and level of professionalism that adult learners can contribute to the learning environment. Instructors must be subjective when forming learning material. Adults are constantly learning new material to enhance their knowledge, for the purpose of advancing their career opportunities. In Andragogy, Knowles talks about the four principles of the average adult learner. Adults are obstinate, independent curious learners; they understand the process of learning as well the reason for learning a particular subject, and the benefit of learner to a certain degree. Adults have an objective for learning and it is absolutely critical for scholars as well as instructors to embrace the different aspects of learning (Knowles 1984). Strategic thinking would be the best...
Words: 1029 - Pages: 5
...101-B60 LUO March 6, 2013 Summary In the article “Adult learning Disorders: Contemporary Issues” the authors discuss a book that is made of 4 different parts: Development, Neurobiology and Specific Learning Disorders, Diagnosis and Assessment, and Life Outcomes. Throughout the article they break down those different parts into what each one actually means. The article “Adult Learning Theory for the Twenty-First Century” discusses the ways that adult learning and all of its theories change and have changed over time and how drastically they have changed. The first part, Development, discusses different theories for understanding different adult learning disorders. Those chapters talk about how some learning disorders may have sex-related differences among the disorders. It also discusses how certain adults with a variety of learning disabilities might have atypical brain development. If a person that is determining a disability uses a model of an atypical brain development, it could possibly help them better understand a need for a very flexible plan of treatment. The second part, Neurobiology and Specific Learning Disorders, explains a case where a graduate student who is high functioning was having a lot of issues keeping up with the extraneous amounts of reading and work even though he is very intelligent because he was not able to absorb the information. It also discusses the problems that adults with nonverbal learning disabilities, especially emotional ones, will face...
Words: 1389 - Pages: 6
...Oxford Centre for Staff and Learning Development OCSLD Learning and Teaching Briefing Papers Series Theories of learning There are many different theories of how people learn. What follows is a variety of them, and it is useful to consider their application to how your students learn and also how you teach in educational programmes. It is interesting to think about your own particular way of learning and to recognise that everyone does not learn the way you do. Burns (1995, p 99) ‘conceives of learning as a relatively permanent change in behaviour with behaviour including both observable activity and internal processes such as thinking, attitudes and emotions.’ It is clear that Burns includes motivation in this definition of learning. Burns considers that learning might not manifest itself in observable behaviour until some time after the educational program has taken place. Sensory stimulation theory Traditional sensory stimulation theory has as its basic premise that effective learning occurs when the senses are stimulated (Laird, 1985). Laird quotes research that found that the vast majority of knowledge held by adults (75%) is learned through seeing. Hearing is the next most effective (about 13%) and the other senses — touch, smell and taste — account for 12% of what we know. By stimulating the senses, especially the visual sense, learning can be enhanced. However, this theory says that if multi-senses are stimulated, greater learning takes place. Stimulation through...
Words: 2202 - Pages: 9
...2 This chapter describes a four-lens model for understanding adult learning theories and provides adult educators and administrators with a useful conceptual framework for working with adult learners in adult degree programs. Adult Learning Theory and the Pursuit of Adult Degrees Richard Kiely, Lorilee R. Sandmann, Janet Truluck Diane Johnson, after home-schooling her three children, knew she needed an official credential to continue to work in the field of elementary education. Facing mandatory retirement from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, William Branson enrolled in a master’s program in counseling to assist incarcerated juveniles that he had been dealing with for years. Amy Garcia, a mother of two small children, seeks an online, cohort-based program to provide her the skills and abilities needed to advance her career while meeting family and work demands. Diane, William, and Amy reflect several of the groups that make up the growing number of adults pursuing formal degree programs. The strongest growth in educational participation in the past two to three decades has been in part-time enrollments of students over age twenty-five, in particular, women (University Continuing Education Association, 2002). The population of those over sixty years old in the United States is expected to grow from 45 million in 2000 to more than 91 million in 2030; many are participating in adult degree programs (University Continuing Education Association, 2002). The National Center...
Words: 6188 - Pages: 25
...ADULT LEARNING CONCEPTS Brittney Wallop INFT 101-70B LUO February 21, 2013 Summary In today’s world many people believe that adult learning is one of the most debated topics. In this report there will be three centuries of research on adult learning theories. There will also be information about how we as human beings can use games as a means of learning. Some researchers will even argue about how adult learning is a multidimensional phenomenon. Adult learning in many ways will keep several researchers motivated in their studies due to the fact that there are many ways adult learning can be viewed, studied, or compared. The adult learning theory has been researched several times by different researchers to find out what it means. The more we learn about adults and how they perceive information the better it is to create different activities. Throughout the adult learning theory there have been three changes from volume to volume but one thing that has remained constant is the transformational learning (TL). In the first chapters of adult learning theory transformational learning was more or less describing theory, but in the twenty- first century it is based on research. Researchers from the twentieth century believe that adult learning theory was surrounded around individual learner, how that learner processes information, and how learning allows the person to be more empowered and self-sufficient. In the present day “adult learning was understood as cognitive process...
Words: 677 - Pages: 3
...Summary Adult Learning Theories were developed to understand and influence the way adults learn and how they are taught to learn. There are many factors that affect adults in their daily lives that differ from children and these factors can impact them in various ways. In the articles summarized below there are many explanations of how the adult learning theories are utilized to improve the learning experience. In Adult Learning Theory Applications to Non-Traditional College Students (Kenner;Weinerman, 88), adults between the ages of 25-50 are described to have their own unique categories being divided into three: 1. Layoffs post recession 2. Veterans of Middle East wars. New GED completions. Adult learners have less traditional factors such as larger work load, dependents and financially independent. Many of them are part time students (Lane, 2004). Sharaw and Mushman set forth three different methods that adults create their own learning theories. These methods or” Frameworks” are tacit theory, informal theory, and formal theory. These basically explain how adults absorb their knowledge and apply it. (Guzzetti, Snyder, Glass, Gamas, 1993). The biggest hurdle in adult learning is the transition back into the academic world. Knowles addressed framing as an ingenious way to cradle a student back into learning but giving them motivation through the vision of rewards. In the article Adult Learning for the Twenty First Century (Merriam, 2008), the adult learning theory is described...
Words: 887 - Pages: 4
