Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Assumptions about Adult Learners

The Learner’s Concept

I agree with the following statement from our textbook.  The fact that adult learners can be presumed to have a more independent self-concept than a child and therefore be more self-directed in their learning does not imply that all adults are always self-directing and can plan their own learning, or that all children are always dependent learners. 

The independent self-concept fades away with some adult learners when it comes to computers.  I have known adults to say why this is necessary.  My question now is, have they learned how to learn and are they willing to change?  I have had some humorous moments in the classroom while teaching senior citizens computers.  I recall a time when I told a student to say ‘OK’ for his response to a question on his screen so, he shouted OK!  It was funny but I realized I had to redirect my teaching methods.  I believe if I had lectured the last two assumptions would it helped them.  (Adults are mostly driven by internal motivation, rather than external motivators and Adults need to know the reason for learning something)

Children and computers, it appears to be a different story.  I know 2 year olds that are maneuvering Kindles.  I believe monitoring what they are exposed will give them a good foundation for their future education.  Do you think the statement below is for all learners? 

                                                 Tell me and I forget.

                                                    Show me and I remember

                                                          Involve me and I understand.

                                                                                                Confucius

Readiness to Learn

Our textbook states that the main emphasis in this assumption is that the social roles of adulthood create a need for learning.  Need!  How many areas our lives where the need to learn have developed over the past 10 years?

Merriam, S. B., & Bierema, L. L. (2014). Adult learning: Linking theory and practice. San      Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Look at this ‘rap’ video about adult learning.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cu_PpkqWJGA