...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...
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...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...
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...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...
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...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...
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...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...
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...Article Summaries on Adult Learning Theories Maurrica Daun Doss Summary With review of two articles related to adult learning theories, there were several similarities and shared information that combined these articles together. It is very clear that there are different views and levels of adult learning theories. Starting from the basic concept of adult learning and fine tuning the theories down to adult students, it is evident that these theories are a major factor in continuing education. The first article on adult learning theories realized that psychological, convictional, and behavioral aspects are significant factors. The author covers these latest updates from an edition published in 2001 while stating that “what we might conclude about adult learning today will most likely be out of date by the time this volume is a year old” (Merriam, 2008, p. 94). The article highlights a few major updates from previous versions. Adult learning theory is being increasingly recognized more and more as multidimensional learning. Environments of adult learners are known factors to how new information is received. Depending on their external influences, translates into factors that cause adults to learn differently. Adults receive information and relate it to their own body, mind, and wellbeing. Keeping adult learners in context can ultimately help with learning styles. Adult learning seemed to be a cognitive process until recently. Using spirituality as a guide to learn...
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...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...
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...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...
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...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...
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...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...
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...of Age In this paper I will give you an overview of 2 interviews that conducted with two adults on their experiences of 'coming of age'. The interviews that I conducted with them was based on their experiences during their adolescent years of becoming the adult they are today. I will compare the two interviewee’s experiences and relate them to one another. I will also relate their experience to Erikson’s Theory. The first person I interviewed was Brad Young. He is a 33 year old Caucasian male. I asked Brad “how old were you when you feel you became an adult”. Brad told me “I was 25, I found out my girlfriend was pregnant, so it then that I realized I need to buy a house and move out of my parent’s home.” I then clarified with Brad that it was not a gradual process for him then? He told me “kind of, but becoming a father made me grow up real fast.” I asked Brad how he identifies his believes and values today? He told me “I get most of them form my parents, but someone them I get from my wife’s family as well. We have blended our two families into one.” I then asked Brad if he is comfortable with the adult that he has become. Brad told me “Yes, I have job that pays the bills. I also have a wife and a kid that loves me, I can’t complain. The next person I interviewed was Joanna Dailey. Joanna is a 31 year old Caucasian woman. I asked Joanna how she was when she became an adult. She told me “I would have to say 22 years old. I had just complete college, got married and...
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...experienced during early and middle adulthood. Social and Intimate relationship change In early adulthood, it’s a time of independence, identity seeking, and lifestyle forming. During this time, kids are graduating leaving their parents home starting new relationships and developing a life of their own. Erikson believed that people need constant contact with others throughout their lives, from birth to death, whether that contact is romantic intimacy or a relationship with friends and family. The time has changed where young adults were getting married fresh out of high school. Now middle adults are waiting until mid thirty’s are longer to have children and get married. Parents who waited longer to have children and who had highly educated degrees have a greater loss in happiness following childbirth. Along with the stress of how to support more children, it led many couples to forgo having second children. Since these normative social role changes, other theories suggest possible changes in personality traits after age 30. People improved at emotion guideline as they grow older and tend to have less negative emotional involvements (Gross et al., 1997); this explains why...
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...Genie is a wild child who found in LA on 1970, she is a very extreme case of neglected the caretaking from adult. Her father believed she is retarder She spent her first thirteen years on tiding at the potty chair and still wearing diaper, she had never see, listen, being taught of anything in her life. For the past many years she had been isolation and lack of adult care make her the way she is right now. According to the George Hebert Mead’s integrationist theory; Mead (1934, 1964a). During the preparation stage, child had no self-present, however, they imitates the action of others, for example; when adults cry the child cry. During the play stage, child is developing the sense of self-present. They start to rakes the role of a single other, as if he or she were the other. The game stage is the last stage under Mead’s model, the child will no longer be playing role taking but starts to develop the relationship between the other and recognize the responsibilities as well as the social positions. It is very important for an infant to be around adult human. An infant imitate people around them, they can’t be disconnected from the socialization. Otherwise, they will be lost of human interaction and the important process of learning attitudes, behavior appropriate and the culture. In the case of Genie, I see very strong statement on hoe important for a child to have normal human interaction in their early...
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...attention and affection for a healthy development, a family’s living circumstances in North America has become substantially and increasingly more comfortable, at least for the wealthy class. This has caused the transition from childhood to adulthood to become an extended period of adolescence. Individuals have been remaining emotionally and financially dependent on their parents up until their late twenties, and some even longer. Although John Rosemond had said, “the primary purpose of raising a child is to help that child get out of your life and into a life of its own,” it is proven that wealthier parents may create an easier living situation, involving less work for a for a young adult, which causes them to choose to stay living at home for a longer time period. When considering the reasons why an adult would return home after already leaving, or make the decision not to leave in the first place, it is important to recognize factors that have changed throughout history and time. In the past, a functionalist would argue that separation of youth from parents was a practical solution due to high rates of infant mortality and childhood illness; this led to nearly half of the population of children to die before the age of twenty. It was a necessity for parents to have many children, in order to ensure they would be supported in their old age. Parents in poorer families would often send their children to work for wealthier families, as this would allow them to avoid attachment and allow...
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...In the article “Suffering, Selfish, Slackers? Myths and Reality about Emerging Adults”, Jeffrey Jensen Arnett defines early adulthood as the time of instability and identity crises, even as it is rarely a time of despondency or collapse. She also theorizes that emerging adults are self-focused but not selfish and also have mixed feeling about becoming an adult. When reading this article, I definitely think that there are costs and benefits to becoming an adult. Not all adolescence is in a storm and stress idea of being at war with the parents and the world. This really depends on what environment they grew up in and how much the parents nurtured their child rather than supported but challenged their child. The cause of “war” with the parent...
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