Some scholars have studied child learning as it differs from adult learning. Others, such as Howard McClusky, went further to study the adult ability to learn or their potential. Cyril O. Houle searched for a better understanding of adult learning. Allen Tough’s extension is based on several aspects including what and why adults learn, how they learn, and what help they obtain for learning. Each of these have made significant contributions to andragogy (Knowles, Holton, & Swanson, 2012).…
Educating adults differs from educating children in many ways. One of the most important differences is that adults already possess an accumulation of knowledge and experiences, which can add to their learning experience. Another difference is that most adult education is voluntary; therefore, the learners are generally self-motivated. Adults frequently apply their existing knowledge in a practical fashion to learn effectively. They usually have a reasonable expectation that the knowledge they gain will help them further their ambitions. During the 1990s, for example many adults, including myself, enrolled voluntarily in computer training courses in order to learn the basics of using the operating system, because interactions with the computer were completely new to those who had been out of formal education for more than ten years. Most upwardly mobile…
My biggest motive to further my education is myself. According to Malcolm Knowles research there are four different motives that stimulate adults to learn. The “Practical Context” suggests that an adult is motivated to learn because the knowledge he/she gains will be put into practice whether it’s immediately or in the future. This person feels that the information will help him/her cope with daily situations with more ease. The “Experiential Context” this adult learner is someone that has become wise with age and has formed a solid foundation about what they know through personal experience. This person is open to fresh ideas and adapts to new situations and in the course discovers a newly refined sense of logic. The “Idealistic Context” refers to an adult that is motivated to learn for the sake of learning. This type of learner takes pleasure within the process of a deeper and more theoretical development. Even though theory is more interesting than practice this person knows that practice is still essential. The last motive is the “Personal Context”. This motive is attained through the desire of self-betterment. This describes my personal motive for learning.…
It is understood that in order for adults to learn in an effective manner certain needs need to be taken into account. This can be their personal psychological reasons i.e. their sense of purpose for learning. Also the environment in which they learn is a key consideration, for example the freedom to make mistakes in a safe environment. Kolb’s Learning Cycle describes 4 stages all adults need to go through to have effective learning, Experiencing, Observing and Reflecting, Thinking & Abstract Concepts and finally Experimenting with the new concepts.…
| Adults need to know why they need to learn something before undertaking to learn it. According to Tough(1979), considerable energy will be invested by adults in looking into what they will gain if learning something on their own and also what negative consequences will occur if they do not learn it.…
For me learning is a way of gaining new skills and it enables me to progress, and achieve within my career and working practices as a team leader, support worker & counsellor.…
Adult learning is a way to separate the way adults learn from the way children learn. Physiologically, learning is the formation of cell assemblies and phase sequences. Children learn by building these assemblies and sequences. Adults spend more time making new arrangements than forming new sequences. They can learn by talking with others. We can easily say, this makes adults to create a connection between differences and similarities. There are many assumptions about adult learning such as adults are self directed, they are goal oriented, adults are…
As my knowing self, I have always enjoyed learning and had an active and inquiring mind. Growing up, I was lucky to be physically fit and healthy, as well as emotionally stable, factors which were an advantage in the pursuit of acquiring knowledge and skills. I was also supported by family, friends and teachers. Thus, I developed a positive concept of, and confidence in, my knowing self. As a child my favourite past times were reading books and writing letters, thus I became a fast reader and an excellent speller. At school I developed excellent language and numeracy skills and took pride in my work. Overall, most aspects of my background as a child and student, as both my situated and knowing self, have been a great advantage to me as a learner.…
There is a variety of things that play a role in an individual’s success in life. Such as motivation, curiosity, practice, determination, ability to learn, Etc. It is important to have some sort of motivation in life to become successful. In some of the articles we’ve discussed we’ve seen how people have different ways of teaching themselves something they are eager to learn or simply have interest in knowing more about it. Not everyone has the same method of learning in life. You will be surprise to learn the different ways you can teach yourself something and how it will impact your life in the future. No one accomplishes great things in life without years of passionate practice and work.…
Use your experience of teaching as a source for describing a range of behaviours and analyse their impact on learners learning.…
Through researching this paper I now have a new knowledge of the differences in adult learning versus child learning. In learning Knowles’ and Kolb’s theories and models discussed, I will also have more confidence to understand that as an adult I am well equipped to learn. If I take the time to reflect upon the material I am learning in relationship to the experience I have, this will help me to develop a better need to know and more applicable…
How did you feel about the role of learning and its importance to your personal growth and development?…
There are many factors that affect one’s learning. Based on your personal experience, what key factors directly or indirectly affect adult learning? The key factors that directly or indirectly affect adult learning are life experience, work experience, previous learning experiences, performance affecters, time between interactions and aging factors. Life experiences are anything that affects your cognitive behavior. In other words, is your mind where it needs to be to get this done. Work Experiences are your thinking patterns that are based on what you already know. Previous Learning experiences are when you have tried this before but it did or did not work. Performance affecters include your cognitive abilities. If there is a lot…
I will use my critical thinking skills and every other skill that was delivered to me during my learning process of adult learning. I will use my adult learning skills to continue to strive for my success. I will ask questions about things that I don’t know the answer to, and take notes. Asking for help is never a problem. I will use abstract ideas, communication, listening skills, and relevant information so that when I do become a graduate, there won’t be a question in my mind that I will become a successful…
Most adult students are on the courses because they choose to learn something new. It’s not normally forced upon them, and it’s always more pleasing to teach those who are willing and enthusiastic to learn.…