1. By Heather Morrison-Bean and Jennifer Van Lier
Adult Learning
By Heather Morrison-Bean and
Jennifer Van Lier

2. Andragogy What is Andragogy?
“The art and science of helping adults learn”
Student-Centered
(Billings & Halstead, 2005, p.24)

3. Characteristics of Adult Learners
Self directed learners who have life experiences.
Interested in real life problems and problem solving.
Desire education to have practical application.
Clear importance of what is taught.
Respond to intrinsic motivators.
(English, 1999, p. 196; Trotter, 2006)

4. The Role of Educator or Mentor with Adult Learners
Create relaxed environment.
Able to be flexible.
Develop innovative curriculum
To meet various learning needs or styles
Offer learning opportunities
Develop collaborative relationship.
Mutual Respect

5. Role of the Educator or Mentor with Adult Learners Continued
Foster independent study.
Allow learners to use their experience.
(Billings & Halstead, 2005; Kiley, Sandman, & Truluck, 2004)

6. Role of the Adult Learner
Collaborate in developing learning plan and experiences.
Self direct pace of education.
Self monitor progress with the direction of clinical preceptor.
(Billings & Halstead, 2005;Trotter, 2006)

7. Adult Learner/Educator Relationship
Mutual respect.
Professional boundaries.
Establishing learning goals.
Timely feedback.
(Norton & Vandeveer, 2005)

8. What Are Some Advantages to Adult Learning
A change in the role an educator typically plays.
Increased feeling of accountability for the student.
Opportunities to work collaboratively.
(Billings &Halstead,
2005)

9. Disadvantage to Adult Learning
A clear definition of the role of the educator or mentor is required.
Not all learners are comfortable with setting own plan and objectives.
Possibility for increased stress.
The learner may need to change attitudes regarding learning.
(Vandeveever, 2005)

10. Ways to Promote Adult Learning
Problem Based Learning (PBL)
Service Learning or Experiential Learning
Self Directed learning

11. References
Billings, D., & Halstead, J. (2005). Teaching in nursing: A guide for faculty. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. English, L. M. (1999). An adult learning approach to preparing mentors and mentees. Mentoring & Tutoring, 7(3), Kiely, R., Sandmann, L. R., & Truluck, J. (2004). Adult learning theory and the pursuit of adult degrees. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, 2004(103), doi: /ace.145

12. References
Norton, B., & Vandeveer, M. (2005). Teaching and learning. In D. Billings & J. Halstead (Eds.), Teaching in nursing: A guide for faculty (pp ). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Trotter, Y. (2006). Adult learning theories: Impacting professional development programs. Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin , Vandeveer, M. (2005). From teaching to learning. In D. Billings & J. Halstead (Eds.), Teaching in nursing: A guide for faculty (pp. 209). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.