Adult Learning Theory
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
- π Adult Learning Theory aims to create effective learning experiences for adults.
- π§βπ« Andragogy, developed by Malcolm Knowles, focuses on the adult learning process, emphasizing internal motivation and the practical application of knowledge.
- π€ Adult learners are driven by the question 'what's in it for me?', seeking relevance and immediate value in their learning.
- π Adults use their past experiences to connect with new learning, which helps in understanding and generating new ideas.
- π Independent learning is preferred by adults, who want to control their own learning paths.
- π€ Task-oriented and problem-solving approaches in learning are more appealing to adults as they seek real-world connections.
- π Transformational learning, as proposed by Jack Mezirow, involves creating new meaning from previous experiences, often triggered by a dilemma or crisis.
- π The process of transformational learning includes identifying a dilemma, establishing personal relevance, and promoting critical thinking.
- π Experiential learning, according to David Kolb, involves a cycle of concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation.
- π 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
π 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
π‘Adult Learning Theory
π‘Andragogy
π‘Internal Motivation
π‘Relevance
π‘Transformational Learning
π‘Experiential Learning
π‘Concrete Experience
π‘Reflective Observation
π‘Abstract Conceptualization
π‘Active Experimentation
π‘Problem-Solving
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.
Transcripts
[Music]
what is adult learning theory
Adult Learning has been defined
differently throughout the years based
on a large variation of adult learning
theories there is no particular right or
wrong theory but what these theories
have in common is the goal of creating
effective learning experiences for the
adult learner three common theories are
andragogy transformational learning and
experiential learning
andragogy refers to the method and
principles of adult learning developed
by Malcolm Knowles in the 1970s
according to Knowles adult learners
differ from children as adults need to
have an understanding as to why it is
beneficial for them to learn adults are
driven by internal motives this often
leads us to the popular question of
what's in it for me
adults are more willing to learn when
learning is perceived as relevant to
their environment and has immediate
value adults use their past experiences
to connect to learning receive relevance
and inspire new ideas adults are
independent and want to be in control of
their own paths to learning adults find
relevance to task oriented and
problem-solve and learning that provides
an opportunity to connect learning to
real-world experience the theory of
transformational learning developed by
Jack Mesirow in 1990 suggests adults
learn when new meaning is related to a
previous experience to create an aha
moment
this happens in three stages
identification of a dilemma or crisis
realizing that what we know may not be
correct or we don't know what we should
know establishment of personal relevance
to determine what's in it for me
providing opportunities for critical
thinking
the final theory we will explore is
Damon a Kolb's experiential learning
theory this theory states the
successfulness of adult learning is
creating meaning from experiences this
happens in four stages concrete
experience reflective observation
abstract conceptualization and active
experimentation
now that you've learned a little bit
about adult learning theories it's time
to begin session one
[Music]
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