Why shoul an adult learner hone the skill of applying  mnemonics in learning?

Mnemonics use can not be overemphasized, most adult learners are able to convert information decoded and stored in short term memory to long term memory, assisting with remembering the information for a long time  and also in applying it overall to life skills and success as whole.

what is the best way of retaining information or enhancing what is learned?

For the adult learner the best way of rentention is application of knowledge garnered in a class setting at multiple levels to several higher areas and seeing how each knowlege assists in retention and been proficient in the world at large.

what learning method seems to be the most used by adult learners?

By experience both as a student and an instructor, most students of mine usually combine auditory and kinesthetic modes of acquiring new material, when I paused to ask a student why they prefer to listen and also write  new information into their note books at the same time as the time they hearing it in real time.... The answer chorused across board was uniform, " I feel better when I hear the information and put it down in my notes in my own words, so when I revisit my notes to internalize the information, it does not sound like new because I wrote it down myself".

How is episodic learning of an andvantage to the today adult learner?

this kind of memory is based upon  the recall of experiences from the learner's past , here the advantage is that new informaation can be  associated with previous experiences for greater retention , application and use of information .

Asking questions is central to critical thinking; it encourages learners to clarify, analyze, and challenge assumptions. It helps uncover evidence, evaluate reasoning, and explore alternative solutions. Initiating discussions promotes active engagement and the exchange of ideas. Allows critical thinkers to test their ideas, receive feedback, and consider different perspectives. support collaborative learning and deeper understanding. 

Shouldn't critical thinking be introduced much earlier in the educational system to encourage and develop the practice of critical thinking in our youths?

 Critical thinking is more important today than ever as we are constantly bombarded with information, ideas and facts, some of which there is no way to verify their source or veracity, but a decision has to be made, timely, logically, and accurately, to get the best outcome in a particular situation. We are therefore required to process information faster and more accurately to thrive and survive.

Critical thinking is not only based on teaching in the classroom, but it is of utmost important within the healthcare arena, and as well as in our daily lives. It is a process of doing, assessing, and observing. In addition, critical thinking takes time and practice, and I thinking this is what we are educating our students to do. (Think on their feet).

I'm thinking that the upcoming presidential election will provide lots of opportunities for students to practice their critical thinking skills, including learning how to spot logical fallacies. Any thoughts on how to structure such activities?

Does practical intelligence take cultural ideals into consideration?

I enjoy the discussion on observational learning because students gain insight into understand why children sometimes behave aggressively. Albert Bandura explains how the cognitive processes must play a vital part in the learning process. I find it interesting the different steps children experience different behaviors. The first steps in the modeling process is attention where children pay attention to the behavior before they model it. Retention in memory, takes place when the observer remembers the behavior that took place. Reproduction of the behavior basically allows for the individual to recall what was seen. For example, a child may remember seeing a cartoon superhero flying.  The child may be able to model the behavior. Motivation deals with the learning/individual remembering the behavior and be motivated to execute the behavior.  

I teach different levels of sociology as well as psychology; however, in my sociology class the topic of "White Privilege" is one that is very interesting and offers some challenging points of view from my students. There are many of my students who do not believe that White Privilege exist or that there is a racial problem in this society. One of the ways I help my students (ages 17-25) understand different issues is telling them the instructions I give my daughter if she gets stopped by the police.  Much of the information I tell her, I am sure other parents may share with their child/children. However, out of all the things I tell her, one thing that I say is, make sure you completely comply so you will be able to come home alive. Unfortunately, even if she does comply, she could still may lose her life. So, the questions that comes to mind is, if minorities face prejudice and other social challenges, do non-minorities enjoy social advantages?

I like how one of the points made in this myth module was to be weary of percetages that easily end with a zero of 5, and the percentages added to the cone are all at the ten percetage ending - and are not grounded in research - but it was reminder to check our sources more and while on the surface it might be desirbale to want to say that a certain percatge is reatined by these neat little amounts - there is no formual for retaining information. We all need to review and make sure we encoded it - and then go back and review again - :) 

I am amazed that we continue to get reinforcement on 'learning styles' as if it is more than just theory.  I'm curious if other readers are seeing the same or am I just 'way behind?"

This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:

Adult Learning Theories --> Adult Learning Explained

Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.

This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:

Adult Learning Theories --> Teaching the Adult Learner

Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.

This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:

Adult Learning Theories --> Brain-Based Teaching

Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.

This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:

Adult Learning Theories --> Theories of Adult Development

Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.

This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:

Adult Learning Theories --> Characteristics of the Adult Learner

Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.

This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:

Emotional Intelligence in Learning --> Impact on Education

Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.