Jennifer Stamp
April 24 2013
INFT 101
Stop, process, rearrange, configure and concur are all part of the process in
Adult Learning. As adults we filter through our memory bank to perform checks and
balances on new information to see if it lines up with our experiences. As we take a
look at articles written by Sharan B Merriam, and Victor Wang we will evaluate the
methods and theories for Adult Learning.
Reflecting on Sharan Merriams article, “Adult Learning for the Twenty-First
Century”. She advances the idea of understanding the movement in promoting
reflection and open dialogue. She is bringing her ideas from the standpoint of a
teacher, referring better as a facilitator. Sharan quotes, “Adult learning is a complex
phenomenon that can never be reduced to a single, simple explanation. (Sharan
Merriam p. 94). The idea of taking in bits of information and labeling it as
knowledge. As she glances at the learning theories, the realization of studies point
to the same thing. The possibilities are endless if we choose to expand our vision.
Understanding learning theories can help implement effective strategies. In
the article ”Understanding and Promoting Learning Theories” written by Victor
Wang, he suggest ,”It is likely that there is no one best way of promoting learning”.
(Victor Wang 2012). Knowledge creation has been added as a higher level of
thinking, producing analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Every theory that is studied
must be executed through evaluation of a learner. Behind each theory is a guide to
understand learning.
Both articles bring the same ideas to the table. Facilitating adults is at the
heart of the studies. The theories bring a story to give meaning to our experiences.
What we believe to be true comes from our intake.
In conclusion, we can understand that Adult learning will always be
evolving into new ideas