Adult Learning Theories

“Adult Learning Theories”

My brother and I are completely different people in the learning process. While he can remain attentive in the classroom for extended periods of time, I cannot. Sitting in a classroom listening and interacting with others is tedious for me, which often results in my mind wandering off. In contrast, my brother thrives in that environment, frequently making solid grades. Does this mean he is smarter than me? Absolutely not. Adults learn things in a number of ways, and he is stronger in-group learning, whereas I learn better independently. By focusing on some of the adult learning theories, we can begin to explore some of the different methods of modern adult education.

Malcolm Knowles is one of the most frequently cited theorists in adult education. While he made well known the term “andragogy”, Knowles did not create the term. In “The Modern Practice of Adult Education”, Knowles defined andragogy as "an emerging technology for adult learning." Andragogy was initially labeled as, "the art and science of helping adults learn," but has come to be accepted as an alternate to pedagogy. Knowles assumes there are four andragogical assumptions in adults:

1) move from dependency to self-directedness;

2) draw upon their reservoir of experience for learning;

3) are ready to learn when they assume new roles; and

4) want to solve problems and apply new knowledge immediately.

Accordingly, Knowles suggested that adult educators should:

* set a team-based learning climate

* create mechanisms for mutual planning

* analyze the needs of the learner and how they learn

* enable the formulation of learning objectives based on the diagnosed needs and interests

* design organized activities for achieving the objectives in the material covered

* implement the design by selecting methods, materials, and resources; and

* study the quality of the learning experience while evaluating needs for further learning

A form of andragogy that Knowles described is distance learning. Distance Learning is a type of learning that enables adults to learn on their own terms. The California Distance Learning Project (CDLP) defines distance learning as follows. "Distance Learning (DL) is an instructional delivery system that connects learners with educational resources. DL provides educational access to learners not enrolled in educational institutions and can augment the learning opportunities of current students. The implementation of DL is a process that uses available resources and will evolve to incorporate emerging technologies." A problem many adults have is squeezing in the time to actually attend a class, and distance learning caters to that group. Many adults have families to support and full time jobs to attend to. Usually, distance learning is conducted over the Internet, while some require meeting a handful of times over a semester to physically take tests and turn in projects. With distance learning, the adult can log onto their computer whether it be a work or at home, and get the exact same materials as they would in the classroom. In an online course, the teacher usually assigns all of the work in advance along with due dates. It is up to the student to stay on top of their course work in order to be successful. As a result, adults that have strong self-motivational ability often thrive in this learning environment. In general, online courses are considered to be easier than a regular class among many college students.

Unfortunately, distance learning can be exploited and used for the wrong reasons. Since there is no teacher or anyone to monitor you, collusion and cheating run rampant. In a classroom, you cannot use your textbook or notes on a test, and you must remain silent. In distance learning, you can use anything and everything to obtain test answers while asking your friends in the background. Fortunately, some college institutions are teaching the courses online, but having students come to a testing center to take all necessary tests. If you are a motivated individual that can learn independently, then this is a great educational tool when used the way it was intended.

As an alternative to Knowles’s methods of adult learning, Jack Mezirow suggests individuals can be transformed through a process of critical reflection in his theory of transformative learning. This type of learning