I have the thrill of working with adult learners every day. It is a wonderful, ongoing challenge for me to glimpse the demands of the students’ world and to try to establish a successful learning
experience for them so that they can develop professionally and remain eager for yet more learning. I have been strongly influenced by the work of several American theorists of adult education. One is Malcom Knowles who popularized the term andragogy—the theory and practice of educating adults, or the art and science of adult learning by identifying the characteristics of an adult learner and by developing principles of andragogy. |
Adult learners are not a single, homogeneous group but rather a complex population that has a vast array of learning, social, vocational and professional needs. Adult learners bring different backgrounds, personalities, cultural membership, and experiences. The wealth of variety contributes to vibrant classroom setting.[Course example on Diversity in Healthcare]. Adult learners are autonomous, independent, highly motivated, self-directing, practical-minded and almost always having to juggle many responsibilities. Because of their maturity, adult learners tend to be extremely committed to improving their professional, personal life by expanding their education. In order to learn, they need to see that the material is relevant to their work environment and that lessons yield clear, beneficial results. As I now understand better the characteristics of an adult learner, I'm better suited to develop courses that are applicable to them, welcoming feedback and experience and are more meaningful.
John Dewey was an American philosopher, psychologist and educational reformer. In 1938, he published "Experience and Education" in which he argues that education and learning are social and interactive processes. My views on adult learning have been shaped in large part by Dewey’s work. He showed that learning occurs when the learner moves away from a point of reflection to inquiry. At this stage he/she will then apply a critical thought process to the inquiry, ultimately reaching a conclusion that can be supported and justified by more than individual beliefs. Dewey's opinion revolutionized education and his insights reveal how adults learn. Michael Kahn explains the process in the Tao of Conversation. By welcoming learners discussions, interactions, participants are all able to share information and learn from one another, making the learning experience more effective. I strive to include time in and exercise in classes to open a dialogue among facilitator and course participants.
John Dewey was an American philosopher, psychologist and educational reformer. In 1938, he published "Experience and Education" in which he argues that education and learning are social and interactive processes. My views on adult learning have been shaped in large part by Dewey’s work. He showed that learning occurs when the learner moves away from a point of reflection to inquiry. At this stage he/she will then apply a critical thought process to the inquiry, ultimately reaching a conclusion that can be supported and justified by more than individual beliefs. Dewey's opinion revolutionized education and his insights reveal how adults learn. Michael Kahn explains the process in the Tao of Conversation. By welcoming learners discussions, interactions, participants are all able to share information and learn from one another, making the learning experience more effective. I strive to include time in and exercise in classes to open a dialogue among facilitator and course participants.