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The Adult Learner

The Adult Learner. The Adult Learner. Today we will be looking at... What is Learning? Philosophy and Principles of Adult Education Reflection on own beliefs Theories & theorists of Adult Education Learning Styles. What is Learning?. How did you learn in school?

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The Adult Learner

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  1. The Adult Learner

  2. The Adult Learner Today we will be looking at... • What is Learning? • Philosophy and Principles of Adult Education • Reflection on own beliefs • Theories & theorists of Adult Education • Learning Styles

  3. What is Learning? • How did you learn in school? • How do you learn as an adult? • What are the similarities/differences?

  4. What is Learning? • Negative learning experiences block learning. • Positive learning experiences enhance learning. • Learning is more than memorising. • Learning is a journey by the tutor and the learner.

  5. Philosophy & Principles What is the purpose of education?

  6. Philosophy & Principles • Practice should be informed by underlying rationale and approaches. • Philosophy influences practice. • Philosophy guides our teaching & learning. • Be reflective about what you are doing.

  7. Principles of Adult Learning • Tutors should have an understanding of philosophy and principles that underpin adult education. • Principles inform and guide good practice.

  8. Mission Statement • Brief description of fundamental purpose • Why do we exist? • Spells out and overall goal • Guides work of an organisation/individual

  9. Kerry Education Service Mission Statement Our aim is to equip students to grow and develop in their role of parent, worker and citizen in a modern changing world.

  10. Adult Literacy & Basic Education Guiding PrinciplesTo Read & Write is a Human Right • Learners attend voluntarily • Learners set own learning goals • Confidential service • Everyone is respected • Relaxed and flexible learning environment

  11. Philosophy & Theories Theory without practice leads to an empty idealism, and action without philosophical reflection leads to mindless activism. Elias and Meriam, Philosophical Foundations of Adult Education, 1980.

  12. Theorists and Theories Carl Rogers Paulo Freire Jack Mezirow Malcolm Knowles

  13. Carl Rogers – 1902-1987 • Humanist psychologist • Concept of self actualisation • Humans have a natural propensity to learn • Self-initiated learning involves the whole person • Learning occurs when the ‘self’ is not threatened.

  14. Paulo Freire – 1921-1997 • Community Ed-community action • Education should create critical citizens • Education should be about liberation • Respect for the learner • Learn the language of the learner & identify with learner

  15. Jack Mezirow • Tranformative education • We all have perpectives that change over time • Triggers can create change/crisis • Emancipatory education help explore alternative perspectives • Key element – reflection

  16. Malcolm Knowles – 1913-1997 • Andragogy – the teaching of adults as distinct of children • The tutor should foster an environment that harnesses the drive for self-directed learning

  17. Theories of Learning – Summary • Adult learners are distinctly different from children • Learning is a social activity • Education should be a platform for transformation, liberation • Adult tutors are partners in the process • Main point is to be reflective, cooperative and inventive

  18. How to Use these Theories • This is not a dry academic debate • Use theories to inform practice, create interesting and relevant activities • No need to follow slavishly • Utilise as you see fit and appropriate

  19. How Do You Learn? Visual Auditory Kinesthetic Your learning style influences how you teach...

  20. A Final Thought Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire. William Butler Yeats

  21. The focus of literacy learning and teaching must be the person who is present, not the skills that are missing.

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