Transfer of Adult Learning Theories into Practice

Theories

Theories as Perspectives

Behaviorism Congnitivism Constructivism

Description Mind is black box

Pavlov Skinner: S-R

Mind is computer Mind is Rizhome(interconnected nodes)

learning Regular, expected responses

Recall of stored information

Building knowledge by doing; active learning

Instruction Repetition, reinforcement(Rewards and punishment)

Grab attention and help storage

Guiding problem solving

Humanistic Learning Theory

Experiential Learning Theory

Social Learning Theory

Description Considering learners as human being with needs (Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs)

how experience is translated through reflection into concepts that turns to new learning

(Kolp)

observing and modeling the behaviors, attitudes, and emotional reactions of others

learning the drive to learn is intrinsic(Learning is dependent upon meeting a hierarchy of needs)

concrete experience (CE), reflective observation (RO), abstract conceptualization (AC) and active experimentation

observational learning are: Attention, Retention, Motor Reproduction and Motivation

Instruction Provide a reason and motivation for each task

plan, act, observe and reflect

cognitive and behavioral frameworks(act as a role model; eg. Actor, football player)

Learning

Learning can be defined generally as the process of gaining knowledge or skills

Learning helps us move from novices to experts

Learning allows us to gain new knowledge and abilities

How does learning look like?

Learning

• Learning is about ideas and concepts

• Learning is about behaviors and skills

• Learning is about attitudes and values

Adult Learning

Adult Learning

Adult learning refers to the participation of adults in learning experiences/activities to effect change in attitude, knowledge, skills, behavior, thinking and productivity

What they want…When they want… and How they want…

Adult learners have their own style of learning

Adults are goal directed

Adults bring experiences and Knowledge to learning experience

Most Adults are self-directed learners;they want to learn:

Adult learnersCommit to learning when the goals and objectives are

considered realistic and important

Want to be the origin of their own learning

Need concrete experiences to apply learning in real work

Need feedback

Some useful adult learning models

Andragogy (Malcolm Knowles)

Self-directed Learning (Stephen Brookfield)

Experiential Learning (David Kolb)Sensing, Watching, Thinking, Doing

Cone of learning

Andragogy

Help students define needs Help students

define objectivesOrganize learning

in relation to needs

Foster student decision making

Encourage self-evaluation

Foster a reflective approachFacilitate problem

posing and solvingReinforce student

self-concept

Emphasis experimental methods

Help with choices and choosing

Decrease teacher dependency

Help students use

resources

Andragogy Vs Pedagogy- Increasingly self-directed

- Teacher as guide & facilitator

- Wealth of life experiences

- Readiness to learn

- Problem-centered learning- Motivation is internal, for real

life benefits

- Dependent of teacher

- Teacher as authority figure

- Limited experience

- Readiness to learn determined by age level

- Subject-centered learning- Motivation by external

rewards & Punishments

Application of Adult Theory into a training Session???

A -ssist trainers in planning, implementation and evaluating learners’ training

D -esign an interactive, learner-oriented and self-directed training sessions

U -nderstand better how to relate, handle, deal and support adults with trust, respect and interest

L -earn to develop the skills of listening, attending, observing and art of questioning

T -arget learning needs of adult learners

S -et a positive teaching-learning atmosphere

Key principles to adult learning

Learners need to know:

- Why, what, how?- Self-directed learning- Prior experience- Readiness to learn- Motivation to learning

Motivation

Demonstrate enthusiasmRequire good performancePromote achievement and successProvide relevancyUse positive reinforcementCorrect with sensitivity and empathyEncourage, Encourage, Encourage

Learning by doing…

I hear and I forget.. I see and I remember.. I do and I understand