2A. Discussion
Background
In order to successfully facilitate professional learning one must have a basic understanding of how adults learn. It is given that children evolve as learners from dependent to progressively independent as their knowledge and experiences evolve. Adult learners come with a varied knowledge set and their unique experiences.
Adult Learners
In the 1960’s, research was conducted regarding how adults learn. Based on those findings a new term was coined: andragogy. Moving from pedagogy to andragogy is a continuum from teacher-directed to self-directed learning.
Pedagogy vs. Andragogy
Pedagogy
the art of teaching
teacher-directed learning
Andragogy
learning strategies of adults
self-directed learning
Pedagogy
the art of teaching
teacher-directed learning
Andragogy
learning strategies of adults
self-directed learning
Adult Learning Theory
One of the leading scholar-practitioners of adult learning in the United States is Malcolm Knowles. In 1980 (and subsequently revised in 1989) Knowles identified six core principles (or assumptions) of adult learning. The principles of andragogy provide an effective approach for planning adult learning experiences. To learn about the andragogical principles and their implications for adult learning view the presentation “6 Principles of Adult Learning”.
For a comparison of the characteristics of adult learners vs. young learners view the chart Characteristics of Adult Learners from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Also available on the site is a chart of teaching strategies best suited for each principle of adult learning. |
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Each of the 6 principles have implications for design and facilitation of professional learning. A pedagogical model will emphasize content - content determined, organized, delivered, and evaluated by the presenter. An andragogical model will emphasize process - the facilitator sets the climate for learning that both physically and psychologically respect adult learners and involves the learners in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of their own learning.
Transformational Learning Theory
Transformative learning is another theory of adult learning that focuses on how the learning experience can change the learner’s present way of thinking to alter knowledge and perspectives. Jack Mezirow is the leading scholar-practitioner of transformational learning. In adulthood learning is transformative as adults are more capable of seeing distortions in their own beliefs, feelings and attitudes. Click through the SlideShare for a quick overview of Mezirow’s Theory of Transformational Learning by C.S. Holt
To facilitate transformative learning one must help learners become aware and critical of their own and others’ assumptions. Learners need to practice recognizing their assumptions and redefining problems from a different perspective. Learners also need to participate effectively in discourse. Discourse is necessary to validate what and how one makes meaning. Critical reflection, awareness of assumptions, and participation in discourse become significant elements in defining learning needs, setting educational objectives, designing materials and methods, and evaluating learner growth. All learning requires change, but not all change is transformational. |
Mezirows Theory from C.S. Holt |
Adult Learners and Technology
Often times, adults can have a strong fear of learning new technologies, whether that's for personal use or for use in the classroom. The resistance and fear to using these tools is sometimes labeled as "technophobia" and can lead to frustration when incorporating various tools. Using various methods of differentiated instruction can assist with breaking the barriers to entry with many adult learners and technology. As a Professional Learning Leader, it takes finding what will work for all levels of learners to reach attainable goals with technology as a tool, and not the purpose of the learning.
Discussion Prompt
- What does a Professional Learning Leader need to know about adult learners that will help them facilitate professional learning?