Scholarly on Adult Learning Theory - Research Paper Example

Scholarly Paper on Adult Learning Theory Introduction The paper focuses on adult learning theory and research that further links with cultural diversity and other associated factors. Additionally, it is further noted that the learning as well as teaching pattern of the adults is completely different from that of the children. The study also highlights the importance of using advance technology in improving the adult learning process. The theory associated with adult learning also signifies that the development of maturity among the adults is also influenced by the level of learning respectively. Additionally, the study further reveals that the individual adults must be allowed to learn autonomously that is turn positively contributes in development of self-belief. This study is based on modern approach to the adult learning theory that in turn also signifies that individuals at different stage are exposed to different learning as well s teaching patterns. In this context, it is worth mentioning that the modern approach to the adult learning was proposed by Malcolm Knowles and B.F.Skinner. In addition, it is further noted that the theories associated with modern adult learning also implies difference between learning at childhood and adulthood. This in turn further signifies that the adult individuals are taught in different manner as compared to the others. It contrast to this, it is being further noted that with the growing age people are likely to face problems associated with neuroscientific perspective. In addition, this particular perspective also affects the behavior of the adults and is further associated with functioning of the brain. This in turn also signifies a similar kind of fact that reveals the existence of difference in learning at different stage of adulthood respectively. From this study, the major problem identified is that the difference in culture is another vital factor that is likely to influence the learning environment as well as behaviour of the adults (Knowles, 2012; Vygotsky, n.d.). In this regard, the primary purpose of the paper is to evaluate the theories associated with adult learning and further analyze the impact of the cultural factor on the learning environment of the adults. Discussion The key points highlighted in the introduction section respectively are associated with the adult learning theory and environment. The theory proposed by Malcolm Knowles states different assumption related to adult learning. From the concerned theory, it has been evaluated that learning environment within the classroom is the most vital factor that is likely to influence the behaviour of the adults in a particular stage respectively. In addition, it is worth mentioning that the interest as well as needs of the adult learners is another crucial factor that is likely to influence the overall learning process respectively. The primary objective in case of adult learning should be to develop the skills and knowledge of the individuals respectively. In the context of the learning environment, it is further mentioned that development of different sequential activities within the classroom is another effective mean with respect to the improvement in the learning outcome of the adult (Knowles, Holton III & Swanson, 2014; Merriam & Bierema, 2013). The overall learning experience that has been evident within the classroom is most effective factors that are likely to influence the behaviour of the individuals. Furthermore, another practical example of the theory associated with adult learning is the development of the self-directed learning processes that are associated with adult learning. In this context, it can be further mentioned that most of the individuals are likely to prefer self-directed learning as it enables them to improve their skills with respect to their needs as well as interests. Furthermore, in this type of learning, the concerned individual is likely to plan as well as execute the overall learning activity by self without taking assistance from others (Jarvis, 2003). The adult learning theory proposed by Dr. Chris Dede and Levinson and Kega, further signifies that mental development of an individual is also influenced by the process of adult learning respectively. The study also focuses on different stages of adulthood that further highlights the difference in the learning process at individual phases. On the other hand, the learning theory proposed by B.F.Skinner behaviour of the adults is the most vital factors that are likely to affect both learning as well as teaching processes (Leonard, 2002). The theory associated with neuroscientific perspective, further implies that at the stage of later adulthood the individuals are likely to face different experience as compared to the other stages of adults. In addition, it can be further mentioned that at the later stage of adulthood the individuals are more likely to face metal loss that further has the potential to influence the learning and teaching processes. Apart from all this factors, culture is another factor that is likely to influence the learning of the individuals. In terms of cultural factor, the adoption of the learning environment is another factor that affects the behaviour of the adults respectively (Edwards, Hanson & Thorpe, 2013; Rothwell, 2008). Conclusion From the above discussion, it has been evaluated that the existence of different factors has the potential to influence adult learning as well as overall learning experience associated with the same. This particular study further highlights the fact that there exists difference in the learning as well as teaching process at different stages of adulthood respectively. The study is focused on the modern approach to adult learning proposed by Malcolm Knowles and B.F.Skinner. In addition, the advancement in technology positively contributes in improving the teaching process of the adults. In the context of neuroscientific perspective, the study further highlights that at a later stage of adulthood the individuals are likely to face different mental illness related issues that in turn negatively influence the behaviour of the adults. From the above study it has been future analyzed that at different stages of adulthood the individuals are likely to have different experiences. Additionally, some illustration has been discussed in the above section related to different modern theories of adult learning that also has the potential to positively influence the skill of the individuals. The study further focuses on the factors associated with culture that is also likely to affect the behaviour as well as overall learning experience of the adults. References Edwards, R., Hanson, A. & Thorpe, M. (2013). Culture and processes of adult learning. London: Routledge. Jarvis, P. (2003). Adult and continuing education: Teaching, learning and research. London: Taylor & Francis. Knowles, M. (2012). Knowles andragogy. Retrieved from http://www.learningandteaching.info/learning/knowlesa.htm Knowles, M. S., Holton III, E. F. & Swanson, R. A. (2014). The adult learner: The definitive classic in adult education and human resource development. London: Routledge. Leonard, D. C. (2002). Learning theories, A to Z.USA: Greenwood Publishing Group. Merriam, S. B. & Bierema, L. L. (2013). Adult learning: Linking theory and practice. USA: John Wiley & Sons. Rothwell, W. J. (2008). Adult learning basics. USA: American Society for Training and Development. Vygotsky, L. (n.d.). The interaction between learning and development. Retrieved from http://www.oerafrica.org/sites/default/files/L%20%26%20L%20reader_section%20one-reading_4.pdf Read More