The Success of the Adult Learning Process - Term Paper Example

Perspectives on Adult Learning Table of Contents Introduction 3 Discussion 3 Adult Learning Conceptualized in Literature 3 Adult Learning and Children Learning 5 Adult Learning Design in Tutorial Learning Session 5 Conclusion 6 References 8 Introduction The introduction of adult learning has offered a framework and provided opportunity for trainers and educators to train adults. The approach of adult learning can be separate from primary childhood practices. According to authors, the application of all styles of learning can be valid for adult learning and early childhood learning. Moreover, the prime difference between the styles of learning can be based on the learning background. Learning is a multifaceted procedure that can take place at the interface of numerous actions and can influence the learners. The characteristics of adult learners are different which set them apart from college learners or old-fashioned school learners. In terms of educational backgrounds and working life, adult learners come to course with array and variety of capabilities. The prime purpose of the paper is to present the outlook of adult learning. The paper also provides brief and significant difference between adult and child learning. Discussion The success of education on personal engagement and institutional enterprise can be achieved through the understanding of the learning process. The wide variety of settings on adult learning includes continuing profession education, higher education, workplace education and adult literacy. Learning is described by professionals as the way of improving the performance of an individual. Adult learning process helps learning professionals and trainers to improve the efficiency of job. According to UNESCO, adult education represents the complete body of educational practice. Moreover, adult education helps to enrich the knowledge, replace initial education in universities and colleges, bring changes in attitude, improve technical background and effectively participate in independent and stable economic, social and cultural development. Adult Learning Conceptualized in Literature Adult learning practices and theory is abstracted in the literature to develop and manage staff members. Adult learning is a form of practice which enables adults to engage in sustained and systematic learning activities in to order to enhance skills, attitude and knowledge. The adult learning is conceptualized on the literature by the American Association for Adult and other association to provide a vivid knowledge for audiences and adult educates to manage, design, and conduct programs which can benefit for the effective continuation of education. The concept of adult learning is discussed on studies in to motivational, genetic and lifestyle characteristics of adults which can help in the development of learning literature. According to Carol Hoare, adult learning is a gain in skills or knowledge, change in behavior and alteration in knowledge for personal benefit. Moreover, learning can only bring a positive change in the growth of personal qualities and change in self-understanding such as managing mechanisms and interpersonal skills. Malcolm Shepherd Knowles was famous for the theory of andragogy. The teaching strategies of andragogy focus on adults. The structure of learning experience helps to engage adult learners. The concept of adult learners is regarded as pivotal for the development of a person who is above 18 years (Conner, 1997, p.12). Knowles believe that it is vital for adults to have their past capabilities appreciated, to be active in the learning process and motivated to learn. Knowles has been influential in the improvement of plan on learning experiences and advancement of the theory of Humanist learning. There are six principles of adult learning which determines the value of learning. Six principles include adults are practical, relevancy oriented, goal oriented, brings knowledge to learning experiences, self-directed and they like to be respected. Malcolm Knowles defined andragogy as the science and art that can help adults to learn and enhance their knowledge. Knowles created a set of assumptions by the concept of andragogy that the adult learner is motivated by internal factors and draws the collected pool of life experiences for enhancement in learning. Self-directed learning project is conducted by 90% of adults a year. In 1971, Allen Tough studied the non-formal and intentional learning practices based on adults. The study of these practices was identified by Allen as self-directed. The process of taking initiation by an individual without the help of others is known as Self-directed learning. This is one of the learning procedures that can benefit individual to carry, evaluate and plan their own learning experiences to gain knowledge. Every adult educated has their own thinking and perspective on adult learning procedure. In this scenario, Allen Tough believes that Self-directed learning process is appropriate for developing positive attitude and increase the decision-making capability of individuals (Rachal, 2014, p.8). Transformational learning theory by Jack Mezirow is described as the process of learning which includes three dimensions such as behavioral, convictional and psychological. Moreover, this process enables individual to change their thinking and involves change of awareness. It is regarded by Jack Mezirow as rational process which requires the engagement of individual to encourage group members and challenge the assumptions to consider several viewpoints. The transformative learning technique can be fostered in the classroom by creating a climate that supports the learning process, use learning activities and expose different perspective of every individual. These are the several concepts and perspectives of different adult educators on adult learning process. Adult Learning and Children Learning The approach of teaching adults and children are quite different and same methodology cannot be implemented. It is expected from adults to bring vast amount of experience and knowledge. On the other hand, child brings their boundless curiosity and enthusiasm. Malcolm Knowles attempted to create a document and provide a vivid description of difference between the ways of children and adult learning. Pedagogy is the term which is related to child learning (Staples and Cochran, 2007, p.885). It is regarded as the science and art of education of teaching child to learn. Similarly, andragogy is the term related to adult learning. Andragogy is the science and art of providing help to adults to learn and flourish to achieve their dreams. According to the assumptions of Malcolm Knowles, the implementation method of child learning is different from adult learning. The concept of self is first point of difference between adult and child learning. Adult tends to evaluate themselves. But, children are heavily dependent on instructions and rules under the guidelines of a teacher. Experience is another point of comparison. Kids have little experience and adults bring wealth of experience. Motivation is another factor where adults are motivated by internal factors such as self-esteem and children are motivated by external factors such as peer pressure and competition. Adult Learning Design in Tutorial Learning Session The theory of adult learning provided an opportunity for trainers and educators to implement assumptions of Malcolm Knowles to train adults. The ideas of Malcolm Shepherd Knowles have been hugely influential in the field of current knowledge. Malcolm Shepherd Knowles is regarded as significant part of the development and ideas of adult learning process presented in the literature. The steps of organizing, planning and conduction of an effective technique is vital for development of effective technique for tutorial training session (Staples, 2004, p.50). There are five key elements that are required to prepare training session for adult learners. One of the pivotal key pointsis the concept of self. The principle of self-directed and internal motivation can be implemented in the training session to facilitate the movement of student. Moreover, it enables to foster the internal motivation of students. Several ways which are included in this principle are developing rapport, creating graded learning program, review goals, showing interest in the opinion of students and creating a task that can help to reflect the interest of students. Second key point is experience. According to Malcolm Knowles, adults want to implement their experience and present foundation of knowledge to apply on enhancing the learning experience. This principle of adult learning can be fulfilled by facilitating the thoughtful learning opportunities, assisting students to apply reasoning process and personal experiences. Moreover, it is vital to know about the past experiences and interest of students to create successful training session. Third key point is orientation to goal and learning. The role of clinical educator is to increase the awareness of student and facilitate the readiness of student in order to enhance skill presented and problem-based learning. These can be implemented by providing real case-studies, expressive learning experiences and asking question that helps on motivating. Fourth key point is that adults want to be respected. The process of making adult learners respected can be fulfilled by encouraging feedback, taking interest, valuing the wealth of knowledge. Fifth key point is that adult learners are practical. The movement from textbook and classroom to real world solving problems can benefit adult learners to apply practical fieldwork experience and real life situation to the work and life. Clinical educator can promote active involvement and effectively explain the clinical reasoning to create a successful tutorial training session. These key points of adult learning theory can be implemented in the training session to understand the best theory of teaching adults. Conclusion This can be concluded that the adult learning process constitutes the activity and development process that can enhance the skills and knowledge of an individual. The paper focuses on the three major theories such as transformational learning, andragogy and self-directed learning. A variety of model has been yielded over the past century to make up the knowledge base of adult learning. Moreover, the adult learner is problem-centered and moves from reliance to upsurge self-directedness. This is the art of teaching adults adopted by Malcolm Knowles. Five principles of adult learning are collaborative, problem-based and facilitate greater integration of experience, information knowledge. The theories of adult learning can be effectively implemented in the training session to facilitate the learning process of adults. References Conner, M., 1997. Andragogy and Pedagogy. Journal of Ageless Learner, 1(1), p.12. Rachal, J., 2014. Malcolm Shepherd Knowles. Adult Education Quarterly, 6(2), p.8. Staples, L., 2004. Roots to Power. London: Greenwood Publishing. Staples, R., and Cochran, M., 2007. Early childhood education: The countries. London: Greenwood Publishing. Read More