Adult learners like to have a say in what/how they learn.
I learned that adult learning is internally motivated.
This section offered Knowles Andragogy where students have a say in their learning. This perspective is taken one step further with Carl Rodgers in Experiencial Learning. Both of these pioneers support the need for strong participatory engagement in the classroom.
I will keep all these concepts in mind while teaching. Adult students need a little more time and the "why?" Of what we are doing.
I have learned that the foundations of adult learning can be traced back to 1968 when Knowles coined the term 'andragogy', which refers to a field of science that emphasizes helping adults and adult learning theories. Teachers can benefit from understanding Knowles' theory about adult learners and the five basic assumptions that can be made about adult learners: they bring with them many life experiences; their learning needs changes as their social roles change; they want to use their new-found knowledge immediately; they have internal motivators; and they want to be informed as to why material is being taught. Rogers was similar to Knowles because he believes adult learners need to learn in non-threatening environments. Rogers is known for his theories about having students learn by doing, which can include service learning and internships. Teachers of adult students should use this knowledge of these two educational pioneers to create meaningful lessons and assignments.
Try and understand experiences of students and how we can better relate the material to previous experiences.
Teaching adult learners involves hands on activities and reflection of the progress made. Incorporating physical actions along with theory helps the student learn. Involving the student in the coursework also supports the experience and outcome.
Malcome Knowles is the father of adult learning, he established the pillars of adult learning.
basically adult learners develope more intrinsically; need justification for an answer, and want to be able to apply learned skills quickly.
Carl Rodger is an advocate for student learning where students direct the learning process itself.
Knowles ideology resonates the most with me.
I really like what Knowles states when he says that adult learners are motivated by internal rather than external factors because they know what they really want and what they really need. External factors are important but do not define the person's interests.
I will allow students to incorporate the best method that facilitates an active learning style to ensure that they are truly learning. I realize that some students will learn differently than others, and need to accommodate for that. Knowing this will allow for the adult learning to be successful through utilizing the tools that I would provide to them in addition to their educational process.
It is important to listen to your students.
I learned the self-evaluation is essential in adult learning.
Adult learners, among other things, have a higher level of experiance that younger learners. In the classroom. this equates to a studnet that is able to imagnine and relate to the topic presented more easly.
Having adult students control their own learning is very efficient. I believe that this is effective only if most of the adult students are at the same level of knowledge. There may be some adult students that could be slower than the others and need extra time.
Teaching adults is not the same as teachng children.
Adult learners need to be incharge of their learning.
I find this section most beneficial and meaningful to me as the curricular philosophy and design that I have developed aligns with the theories of Knowles and Rogers. Problem-based, experiential learning not only is student-centered and student-driven, but increases engagement and buy-in.
Adult learners have a deep reservoir of life experiences that serve as resources for learning. Also hands on approach helps maximum benefits could be achieved in a lab based setting.
Adults need to be involved in learning to be interested and motivated. I will have a more interactive classroom.
