Misconceptions of Adult Learning and Application Synthesis By: Lauren Gelati EDU 643 Post University Final Project

Misconceptions in Adult Learning All teaching methods work the same on both the traditional student and the adult learner. Adult learners learn the same as the younger generation. Adults require less support then the younger learner when obtaining an education. Being an adult learner means you have to be working a full time job and raising a family in order to qualify. Adults all view the world in a similar manner and their opinions don’t change.

Theories in Adult Learning Andragogy Self- Directed Learning Worldviews Intelligence

Andragogy Andragogy can be defined as the method of teaching students that are considered “adult learners,” and this definition came to be by assumptions about the adult learner” (Merriam, Sharan B., Baumgartner, Lisa, Caffarella, Rosemary S, 2007). “Andragogy makes the following assumptions about the design of learning: (1) Adults need to know why they need to learn something (2) Adults need to learn experientially, (3) Adults approach learning as problem-solving, and (4) Adults learn best when the topic is of immediate value” (Culatta, 2015).

Knowles 4 Main Principles In Adult Learning 1.)As they mature, self-concept moves away from dependency to self-directing. 2.)Adult keep their experience in the back of their mind for better learning resources. 3.)Readiness: wants to learn based on social role. 4.)Maturity takes time, once they are there they center themselves on problem solving and critical based learning.

Self Directed Learning “In its broadest meaning, ’self-directed learning’ describes a process by which individuals take the initiative, with our without the assistance of others, in diagnosing their learning needs, formulating learning goals, identify human and material resources for learning, choosing and implement appropriate learning strategies, and evaluating learning outcomes” (M. Knowles, Principles of Androgogy, 1972) (Corporate Training Partners, & Sheffield Marketing, 2009).

Intelligence & Worldwide Views Many tend to view intelligence as “…a specific measurement of their ability to learn” (Merriam, Baumgartner, and Caffarella, 2007, p. 359). Intelligence and a person’s worldwide views can be based on Cultural Beliefs Religious Beliefs Race/ Ethnicity Gender Educational Background Real Life Experiences

Misconception 1 & The Learning Theories Applied Misconception: All teaching methods work the same on both the traditional student and the adult learner. Adult learners learn the same as the younger generation. Learning Theories That Can Be Applied: Andragogy, Self-Directed Learning, Intelligence

The Learning Theories Applied Misconception 2 & The Learning Theories Applied Misconception 2 : Adults require less support then the younger learner when obtaining an education. Learning Theories Applied: Self- Directed Learning, Intelligence, and Andragogy

The Learning Theories Applied Misconception 3 & The Learning Theories Applied Misconception: Being an adult learner means you have to be working a full time job and raising a family in order to qualify. Learning Theories Applied: Self- Directed Learning, Intelligence

The Learning Theories Applied Misconception 4 & The Learning Theories Applied Misconception: Adults all view the world in a similar manner and their opinions don’t change. Learning Theories Applied: Intelligence, worldviews and Andragogy

References Culatta, R. (2015). Andragogy (Malcolm Knowles). Retrieved from http://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/andragogy.html http://image.slidesharecdn.com/exploringandragogy-copy-130403132003-phpapp01/95/exploring-andragogy-5-638.jpg?cb=1364995284 Knowles, M.S (1980). The modern practice of adult education: From pedagogy to andragogy (2nd ed.) New York: Cambridge Books. Knowles, M.S. (1984). The adult learner: A neglected species (3rd ed.) Houston: Gulf Merriam, S. B., Baumgartner, L., & Caffarella, R. S. (2007). Learning in Adulthood : A Comprehensive Guide. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. http://static1.squarespace.com/static/511a3145e4b0f4197c0e28de/t/5363a67ae4b07a441aacdd75/1399039611442/world-in-hands.jpg?format=1500w http://web.utk.edu/~start6/knowles/malcolm_knowles.gif