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What it is new in the world of learning?. How Adults Learn. Gražina Kačergytė 6th Forum on Youth Programme and Adult Resources Obidos, Portugal, 18 - 22 March 2009. What is learning?. Learning is said to have occurred when there is a change; a change in behaviour,
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What it is new in the world of learning? How Adults Learn Gražina Kačergytė 6th Forum on Youth Programme and Adult Resources Obidos, Portugal, 18 - 22 March 2009
What is learning? • Learning is said to have occurred when there is a change; • a change in behaviour, • a change in understanding or • a change in action. Jane Artess, Senior Learning and Teaching Fellow Crewe+Alsager Faculty
Motivations for learning • 6 factors can be identified as sources of motivation: • Social relationships: to meet a need for associations and friendships. • External expectations: to fulfill the expectations or recommendations of someone with formal authority. • Social welfare: to prepare for service to the community • Personal advancement: to achieve higher status in a job. • Escape/Stimulation: to provide a break in the routine of home or work, • Cognitive interest: brain food
Low self esteem Unwillingness to ask for help Lack of confidence Low/uncertain motivation Inattentiveness or lack of attendance/participation Under-developed study skills Poor listening skills Anxiety or fear of insecurity Inadequate knowledge Low expectations of self Domestic, financial or personal worries Physical, mental, or health conditions Specific learning difficulties Barriers to Learning
PEDAGOGY The art and science of teaching children ANDRAGOGY The art and science of helping adults learn Pedagogy vs. Andragogy
ADULT LEARNERS Problem-centered Results-oriented Autonomous and self-directed Have accumulated a foundation of life experiences and knowledge Often skeptical about new information Seek relevancy Accepts responsibility for own learning YOUTH LEARNERS Subject-oriented Future-oriented Often depend on adults for direction More accepting Often train for unclear future Often dependent on others Characteristics of Learners
Description of Now days Career • In general the description means: „carraria“ (Latin word) – it means the way, run of a human life; „carriere“(French word) –it means area of work, profession.
Description of Now days Career • Understanding of needs and fulfilment of them means now days career. If the person (adult, learner) knows his needs for career, he also will know what are his needs for the learning. • Different roles and jobs during person’s life composes his career.
OLD Paradigm Finite amount of knowledge to be absorbed Experts are recognized by knowing what they should know Learning starts by contacting an authority Uncertainty is discouraged and ignorance avoided Experts have knowledges NEW Paradigm It is not possible to absorb all knowledge on a subject Experts are recognized by knowing what they don’t know and knowing how to manage it Learning starts in practice (Balance E-B, tacit knowledge and learning from mistakes) Legitimizing uncertainty and learning by questioning Experts have capabilities find solutions Paradigms in Learning(Penchion D. 1999. Editorial BMJ. May 8)
In conclusion … We may not fully understand how adults learn, but what we do know is that the capacity and potential of individuals is breathtaking! Educators have the privilege to develop that capacity and help learners reach their potential. Tell me and I’ll forget;Show me and I may remember; Involve me and I’ll understand. Chinese Proverb