Adult Learner Characteristics: Adults Tend to Learn Best in a Participatory and Collaborative Environment Shirley J. Caruso, M.A. Human Resource Development Shirley J. Caruso, Copyright 20101

Adults Tend to Learn Best in a Participatory and Collaborative Environment Presentation Agenda: Malcolm Knowles and Andragogy Characteristics of a Participatory and Collaborative Learning Environment The Pros and Cons of a Participatory and Collaborative Environment 2Shirley J. Caruso, Copyright 2010

Malcolm Knowles and Andragogy Andragogy –The art and science of how adults learn –Effective adult learning strategies 3Shirley J. Caruso, Copyright 2010

Malcolm Knowles and Andragogy Adult –Responsible for their own lives –Arrive at a concept of being –Self-directed 4Shirley J. Caruso, Copyright 2010

Malcolm Knowles and Andragogy Unique characteristics specific to adult learners –Six Assumptions underlying Andragogy –Adults tend to learn best in a participatory and collaborative learning environment 5Shirley J. Caruso, Copyright 2010

Malcolm Knowles and Andragogy Unique characteristics specific to adult learners Six Assumptions underlying Andragogy Adults tend to learn best in a participatory and collaborative learning environment Adult Responsible for their own lives Arrive at a concept of being self-directed Andragogy The art and science of how adults learn Effective adult learning strategies Back to Review 6Shirley J. Caruso, Copyright 2010

Characteristics of a Participatory and Collaborative Learning Environment Adults learn best when they are actively involved in deciding how and what they will learn Adults thrive on active, hands-on, experiential learning activities Adults prefer a friendly, communal environment Back to Review Facilitators and learners take an active role in the learning process Organize adult learners into groups and provide hands-on activities Give an overview of group dynamics with advice on how to work effectively within groups 7Shirley J. Caruso, Copyright 2010

Recall your prior knowledge: What is Constructivism Learners develop principles by themselves Existing knowledge and experiences of learners 8Shirley J. Caruso, Copyright 2010

Recall your prior knowledge: Three Categories of Constructivism Individual-knowledge is constructed by learners Social-learning is collaborative Contextualism-learning should take place in genuine environments 9Shirley J. Caruso, Copyright 2010

The Pros and Cons of a Participatory and Collaborative Learning Environment Back to Review Pros: Allows learners to acquire insights into the potential and power of groups Strengthens social and communication skills Develops teamwork and leadership skills Allows learners of mixed abilities to work side by side and draw on individual strengths to complete a task 10Shirley J. Caruso, Copyright 2010

The Pros and Cons of a Participatory and Collaborative Learning Environment Cons: Cultural biases toward competition and individualism that are against collaboration There is not enough time to establish trust and a sense of group security Learners may be reluctant to accept their peers as valid sources of knowledge The inability of the facilitator to take an active role in the learning process 11Shirley J. Caruso, Copyright 2010

Resources Cannon, M. & Griffith, B. (2007). Effective Groups: Concepts and Skills to Meet Leadership Challenges. Boston: Pearson Publishing Knowles, M. S. & Associates. (1984). Andragogy in Action. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Knowles, M. S. (1989). The making of an adult educator: An autobiographical journey. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Sheridan, J. "Rethinking Andragogy: The Case for Collaborative Learning in Continuing Higher Education." Journal of Continuing Higher Education 37, no. 2 (Spring 1989): Shirley J. Caruso, Copyright 2010