Adult Learning Theory

Navy Fleet and Family Readiness

12 Feb 201802:28

Summary

TLDRAdult learning theory encompasses various approaches to facilitate effective learning in adults. Key theories include andragogy, transformational learning, and experiential learning. Andragogy, by Malcolm Knowles, highlights adult learners' internal motivation, relevance to their environment, and independence. Transformational learning, proposed by Jack Mezirow, involves creating new meaning from previous experiences, often through a crisis or dilemma. Lastly, Kolb's experiential learning theory emphasizes the importance of learning through concrete experiences, reflection, conceptualization, and experimentation.

Takeaways

📚 Adult Learning Theory aims to create effective learning experiences for adults.
🧑‍🏫 Andragogy, developed by Malcolm Knowles, focuses on the adult learning process, emphasizing internal motivation and the practical application of knowledge.
🤔 Adult learners are driven by the question 'what's in it for me?', seeking relevance and immediate value in their learning.
🔄 Adults use their past experiences to connect with new learning, which helps in understanding and generating new ideas.
🏆 Independent learning is preferred by adults, who want to control their own learning paths.
🤓 Task-oriented and problem-solving approaches in learning are more appealing to adults as they seek real-world connections.
🌟 Transformational learning, as proposed by Jack Mezirow, involves creating new meaning from previous experiences, often triggered by a dilemma or crisis.
🔍 The process of transformational learning includes identifying a dilemma, establishing personal relevance, and promoting critical thinking.
🔄 Experiential learning, according to David Kolb, involves a cycle of concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation.
🎓 Successful adult learning is about creating meaning from experiences, which is central to Kolb's experiential learning theory.

Q & A

What is adult learning theory?
-Adult learning theory refers to a collection of ideas and methods aimed at creating effective learning experiences for adult learners, which have been defined differently over the years based on various theories.
What are the three common adult learning theories mentioned in the script?
-The three common adult learning theories mentioned are andragogy, transformational learning, and experiential learning.
Who developed the concept of andragogy and when?
-Andragogy was developed by Malcolm Knowles in the 1970s.
How do adult learners differ from children according to Knowles' andragogy?
-According to Knowles, adult learners differ from children in that they need to understand the benefits of learning for themselves, are driven by internal motives, and are more willing to learn when the learning is relevant and has immediate value.
What is the significance of the 'what's in it for me' question in adult learning?
-The 'what's in it for me' question signifies the internal motivation and self-directedness of adult learners, emphasizing the need for learning to be personally relevant and beneficial.
How do adults typically use their past experiences in the learning process?
-Adults use their past experiences to connect with new learning, which helps them find relevance, inspire new ideas, and apply learning to real-world situations.
What is the theory of transformational learning, and who developed it?
-Transformational learning is a theory developed by Jack Mezirow in 1990, suggesting that adults learn through new meanings related to previous experiences, leading to 'aha' moments.
Describe the three stages of transformational learning.
-The three stages of transformational learning are: identification of a dilemma or crisis, realization that current knowledge may be incorrect or incomplete, and establishment of personal relevance to foster critical thinking.
Who developed experiential learning theory, and what does it state?
-Experiential learning theory was developed by David Kolb. It states that successful adult learning involves creating meaning from experiences through four stages: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation.
How does experiential learning theory contribute to adult learning effectiveness?
-Experiential learning theory contributes to adult learning effectiveness by emphasizing the importance of practical experiences and the process of reflecting on, conceptualizing, and applying those experiences to new situations.
What is the role of real-world experience in adult learning according to the theories discussed?
-Real-world experience plays a crucial role in adult learning as it provides a context for relevance, allows for the application of past experiences, and is essential for creating meaning and understanding in the learning process.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Adult Learning Theories

Adult learning theory has evolved over time with various definitions, but the core aim is to create effective learning experiences for adults. The script introduces three prominent theories: andragogy, transformational learning, and experiential learning. Andragogical theory, developed by Malcolm Knowles in the 1970s, emphasizes that adult learners are self-directed, motivated by internal factors, and seek relevance in their learning. Transformational learning, proposed by Jack Mezirow in 1990, involves a deep change in perspective, often triggered by a dilemma or crisis, leading to critical thinking. Experiential learning, as described by David Kolb, is a four-stage process that includes concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. The script concludes by inviting learners to embark on the first session, suggesting that understanding these theories is foundational for effective adult learning.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Adult Learning Theory

Adult Learning Theory refers to a collection of ideas and methods designed to facilitate effective learning experiences for adults. It is central to the video's theme as it sets the stage for understanding how adults learn differently from children. The video discusses various theories within this concept, such as andragogy, transformational learning, and experiential learning, each providing a unique perspective on adult education.

💡Andragogy

Andragogy is a term coined by Malcolm Knowles in the 1970s to describe the principles of adult learning. It suggests that adults are self-directed, motivated by internal factors, and want to learn things that are immediately useful and relevant. In the video, andragogy is highlighted as a method where adults are more likely to engage in learning when they see the direct benefits and can connect it to their past experiences.

💡Internal Motivation

Internal Motivation is the drive that comes from within an individual, rather than external rewards or pressures. The video emphasizes that adult learners are often motivated by internal factors, such as the desire to solve problems or improve their lives, which is encapsulated in the question 'what's in it for me?' This concept is integral to understanding how to design learning experiences that resonate with adults.

💡Relevance

Relevance, in the context of adult learning, means that the learning material or activity is connected to the learner's personal, professional, or immediate needs. The video explains that adults are more willing to learn when they perceive the learning as relevant to their environment and has immediate value, which is a key aspect of andragogy.

💡Transformational Learning

Transformational Learning is a theory developed by Jack Mezirow in 1990, which posits that adults learn through a process of transforming their understanding of the world when faced with new experiences or dilemmas. The video outlines this as a three-stage process involving the identification of a dilemma, the realization of the need for new understanding, and the establishment of personal relevance.

💡Experiential Learning

Experiential Learning, as proposed by David Kolb, is a theory that emphasizes learning through experience. The video describes this as a four-stage process involving concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. This theory is significant as it suggests that adults learn best when they can connect new knowledge to real-world experiences.

💡Concrete Experience

Concrete Experience is the first stage in Kolb's experiential learning theory, where learners engage in new experiences or concrete situations. The video uses this term to illustrate the starting point of the learning process where adults encounter a new task or challenge that triggers the need for learning.

💡Reflective Observation

Reflective Observation is the second stage in Kolb's experiential learning cycle, where learners reflect on their experiences to make sense of what happened. The video implies that this stage is crucial for adults to internalize and understand the implications of their experiences, which is a critical step in the learning process.

💡Abstract Conceptualization

Abstract Conceptualization is the third stage in Kolb's model, where learners form abstract concepts or generalizations from the reflections of their experiences. The video suggests that this stage is about making connections and finding patterns that can be applied to other situations, which is essential for deep learning.

💡Active Experimentation

Active Experimentation is the final stage in Kolb's experiential learning theory, where learners test out their new concepts in real-world situations. The video highlights this as a critical phase where adults apply their learning to new experiences, thus completing the learning cycle and reinforcing their understanding.

💡Problem-Solving

Problem-Solving is a key aspect of adult learning, particularly in the context of andragogy and experiential learning. The video mentions that adults are more engaged in learning when it involves solving real-world problems, which aligns with their need for relevance and the application of learning to practical situations.

Highlights

Adult Learning has been defined differently throughout the years based on a variety of theories.

The goal of adult learning theories is to create effective learning experiences for adult learners.

Three common adult learning theories are andragogy, transformational learning, and experiential learning.

Andragogy is the method and principles of adult learning developed by Malcolm Knowles in the 1970s.

Adult learners differ from children in their need to understand the benefits of learning.

Adults are driven by internal motives and often ask 'what's in it for me?'

Adults are more willing to learn when the learning is perceived as relevant to their environment and has immediate value.

Adults use their past experiences to connect to learning, providing relevance and inspiring new ideas.

Adults prefer independent learning and want to be in control of their own learning paths.

Andragogy emphasizes learning that is task-oriented and problem-solving.

Transformational learning theory by Jack Mezirow suggests learning occurs when new meaning is related to a previous experience.

Transformational learning happens in three stages: identification of a dilemma, realization of knowledge gaps, and establishment of personal relevance.

Experiential learning theory by David Kolb states that adult learning is about creating meaning from experiences.

Experiential learning involves four stages: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation.

Understanding adult learning theories is crucial for creating effective learning experiences.

The session invites learners to explore adult learning theories and apply them to their learning journey.