Adult learning theory and research guides our approach to adult and graduate-level learning. In this module, you review the major adult learning theories and recent research.

Reading and Studying:

active learning strategies for adult lrgn.pdf
Adult Learners–milacci General Features.docx

examination of knowles.pdf

Merriam & Baumgartner:3rd edition

Chapter 5, Chapter 7, Chapter 12 (p. 299-308)

4th edition

Chapter 6;, Chapter 8, Chapter 12 (pp 321-335), Chapter 15

Andragogy Video: You can also view this brief video on adult learning theories. Use this only as an introduction since your text readings will go into much greater depth. For your assignment, cite from the class texts and not from the supplemental documents or videos.

Discussion Board – Adult Learning Theory

The student will post one thread of at least 750 words by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Thursday of the assigned Module: Week. For each thread, students must support their assertions with broad references to the class sources in APA format. Draw from the sources broadly and cite per APA. Your narrative should include numerous references to the class content.

The assignment for this week will ask you to demonstrate higher-order thinking as it applies to adult learning theory. Please do the following presented in a complete narrative posted to the discussion board. Draw appropriately from the class sources and cite per APA 7^th. Use headings to organize your main points. The overall purpose here is to think critically about the elements of adult learning. You will notice from the following that you integrate elements of application, analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and creation.

Instructions

After reviewing the chapters on theories of adult learning (Merriam and Baumgartner chapters 5 and 16), and this module’s readings on self-directed learning, experience, adult development, and brain/memory/cognitive, judge what you conclude to be the most important concepts from each of those topics—make sure to address each of the concepts listed. Why do you come to that conclusion—that is provide valid rationale?

You were introduced to some enduring theories of adult learning. If you were constructing a theory of adult learning, what would you change, add or delete? Determining how adults learn, how would you design the perfect theory of how adults learn?

Of the elements of adult learning theory presented in the readings, do you identify any underlying themes? What are the similarities and differences between the different elements? Of the elements of adult learning under our control (we can’t change much about brain changes, for instance) what advice would you give to make adult learning the richest experience?

Project to your own teaching demonstration and explain how you will apply elements of adult learning to that teaching demonstration.