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The Adult Learner

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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

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What is Learning?

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

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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.

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Philosophy & Principles

What is the purpose of education?

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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.

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Principles of Adult Learning

• Tutors should have an understanding of philosophy and principles that underpin adult education.• Principles inform and guide

good practice.

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Mission Statement

• Brief description of fundamental purpose

• Why do we exist?• Spells out and overall goal• Guides work of an

organisation/individual

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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.

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Adult Literacy & Basic Education Guiding Principles

To Read & Write is a Human Right

• Learners attend voluntarily• Learners set own learning goals• Confidential service• Everyone is respected• Relaxed and flexible learning

environment

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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.

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Theorists and Theories

Carl RogersPaulo FreireJack MezirowMalcolm Knowles

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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How Do You Learn?

VisualAuditory Kinesthetic

Your learning style influences how you teach...

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A Final Thought

Education is not the filling of a pail, but

the lighting of a fire.

William Butler Yeats

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