Adult Learning Theory - Summary Q
September 25, 2012
Adult Learning Theory Paper
Summary The article “Engaging the Adult Learner Generational Mix” examines the adult learning through different generations. The author focuses on surveys that were given on two graduate classes. Some adult learners were in online classes, while others were in a hybrid class. The surveys were done in three different locations. In this article the author analyses three different generations’ Readiness to Learn, Orientation to Learning, and Motivation to Learn. The three generations of adult learners that are being examined are the Baby Boomers, Generation X, and the Millennia generation.
In the Readiness to Learn section the author find that majority of the time when adult learners has enrolled in a course it is to benefit them in finding an answer in improving themselves. Adult learners of the millennial generation had the absences of interest or showed a specific need to know information. Generation X needed little prompting to sway them to learn. However, they need to feel that connection with other classmates and professors. The Baby Boomers also had a lack of readiness, mostly because they didn’t understand the material and it was unfamiliar to them.
With the Orientation to Learning section the author find that the adults wanted to see how the information they are leaning applies to their life. When the Millennial generation can’t relate the information to their experiences they become disconnected. Generation X always tries to relate the new information that they are learning to their personal life. By doing this it make the course interesting to them. It is easy to see when a Baby Boomer is oriented with a subject. When they are oriented with a subject their answers are well thought out and are lengthy.
For adult learners motivation to learn is external but more internal. Internally adult learners want to enhance self-esteem, gain confidence, or improve their lifestyle. The millennial has
Adult Learning Theory Paper
Summary The article “Engaging the Adult Learner Generational Mix” examines the adult learning through different generations. The author focuses on surveys that were given on two graduate classes. Some adult learners were in online classes, while others were in a hybrid class. The surveys were done in three different locations. In this article the author analyses three different generations’ Readiness to Learn, Orientation to Learning, and Motivation to Learn. The three generations of adult learners that are being examined are the Baby Boomers, Generation X, and the Millennia generation.
In the Readiness to Learn section the author find that majority of the time when adult learners has enrolled in a course it is to benefit them in finding an answer in improving themselves. Adult learners of the millennial generation had the absences of interest or showed a specific need to know information. Generation X needed little prompting to sway them to learn. However, they need to feel that connection with other classmates and professors. The Baby Boomers also had a lack of readiness, mostly because they didn’t understand the material and it was unfamiliar to them.
With the Orientation to Learning section the author find that the adults wanted to see how the information they are leaning applies to their life. When the Millennial generation can’t relate the information to their experiences they become disconnected. Generation X always tries to relate the new information that they are learning to their personal life. By doing this it make the course interesting to them. It is easy to see when a Baby Boomer is oriented with a subject. When they are oriented with a subject their answers are well thought out and are lengthy.
For adult learners motivation to learn is external but more internal. Internally adult learners want to enhance self-esteem, gain confidence, or improve their lifestyle. The millennial has