Understanding Adult Learning Theories

Understanding

Adult Learning Theories

Charisma Council Grand Canyon University EDU 537 Leadership and Instructional Coaching Dr. Phillip Brown January 11, 2023

INDEX

The 6 Andragogy Princples interactive Matrix/Graphic Organizer.

How the principles apply to instructional coaching.

Teaching strategies that would be appropriate to coach the adult learner.

Differences between andragogy and pedagogy and their signifigance on adult education.

Two andragogocial strategies to engage adult learners during coaching.

SIX PRINCIPLES OF ANDRAGOGY

1.The Role of Experience

4. Readiness to learn

2. Self Directedness

5. Orientation to Learning

3. The learners need to know

6. Intrinsic Motivation

6 Principles of Andragogy

• Principal #1: The adult relies on his or her own experience as a framework for growth and learns by integrating experience with new concepts , as well as for critical reflection and development . (Conaway & Zorn-Arnold, 2015)

• Principal #2: This principle addresses the learners ability to make independent choices and decisions in addition to accepting responsibility for their outcomes. Adults thrive in autonomous, self-directed environments (Conaway & Zorn-Arnold, 2015).

• Principal #3: An adult learner has the ability and foresight to identify what information and skill base they need to obtain a desired specific goal. This awareness is recognized as a factor for the motivation to work to achieve it; however, if irrelevant information is presented they will withdraw effort and refuse to participate in review of content. (Conaway & Zorn-Arnold, 2015).

6 Principles of Andragogy

• Principal #4: Adult learners who resume schooling in any capacity are prepared and focused to work to achieve their intended academic goals due to their knowledge of the direct tangible effect it will have on their roles and responsibilities socially as well as personally. (Conaway & Zorn-Arnold, 2015).

• Principal #5: In contrast to pedagogy, which is primarily directive inclusive of teacher and subject centrally, andragogy focuses on learner, process and problem centered approaches to education. (Conaway & Zorn-Arnold, 2015).

• Principal # 6: Adult learners pursue additional education to develop and enhance their status financially, to increase skill level, for personal growth and or a specific targeted goal or accomplishment. (Conaway & Zorn-Arnold, 2015).

How the principles apply to Instructional Coaching

The principles of andragogy apply to instructional coaching by providing a framework for understanding what works in the field. The applicable instructional coaching modalities relevant to teaching andragogical principles are engagement, feedback, scaffolding, and integration(Pappas, 2021) . Engagement occurs when a coach builds a relationship with the student in order to motivate him or her to achieve learning goals. Feedback is used to evaluate whether the coaching process is effective in motivating the learner and assisting him or her in developing new skills. Scaffolding is the process of providing support and resources to encourage the achievement of learning goals. Integration occurs when the student applies his or her new knowledge to new situations.

Teaching strategies appropriate to coach the adult learner

Teaching strategies that would be appropriate for coaching the adult learner include inquiry-based instruction, role playing, experiential learning, problem-based learning, cooperative learning, action research, case studies, simulations, and critical thinking exercises (Pappas, 2021).

Differences between Pedagogy & Andragogy

Pedagogy

Andragogy

* Peda means child * Teacher dependent learner * Limited life experiences * Learning needs teacher determined * Subject/content centered * Extrinsically motivated

*Andra means Adult * Self directed/Autonomus learner * Life experiences utilized as skill * Social needs dictates learning needs * Problem Centered * Intrinsically motivated

VS

Pappas, 2021

Differences between andragogy and pedagogy and the significance each has on adult education.

While andragogy is about understanding the needs of adult learners, pedagogy is a method of teaching that focuses on instructing students how to think and learn. Pedagogy is more directive than andragogy; it consists of procedures, curriculum, and activities that help students learn. In contrast, andragogy recognizes that adults have different needs than the children they are educating. Adults benefit from more autonomous learning, meaning they have more control over their educational experiences. The significance between the two theories of study have bearing on adult education programs and need to be considered when designing curricula for adult learners. When designing educational programs for adults, teachers need to take into account the objectives of these learners. For example, adults are usually more concerned with practical outcomes such as job skills and knowledge that can be used in the workplace than obtaining a college degree or a high GPA. Many adult learners need specific knowledge and skills for their occupations or careers that can be learned on the job or by enrolling in a vocational program rather than pursuing a degree. (Western Governors University, 2022).

Two andragogical strategies to engage adult learners during instructional coaching.

Two andragogical strategies to engage adult learners during coaching would be collaborative learning and reflection(Andragogy (Malcolm Knowles), 2018).

Reflection

Collaborative learning

Reflection is an important part of the learning process because it allows individuals to evaluate what they have learned and what skills they need to work on to become more effective and productive.

Collaborative learning is a process that allows students to work together in groups to accomplish a task or complete a project.

(Malcolm Knowles, 2018)

References

Andragogy (Malcolm Knowles). (2018, November 30). InstructionalDesign.org. https://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/andragogy/ Conaway, W., & Zorn-Arnold, B. (2015). The Keys to Online Learning for Adults. Distance Learning, 12(4), 37–42. Pappas, C. (2015). Pedagogy vs andragogy in eLearning: can you tell the difference. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/pedagogy-vs-andragogy-in-elearning-can-you-tell-the-difference Western Governors University. (2022, May 24). Andragogy vs. Pedagogy: Key Differences in Learning. https://www.wgu.edu/blog/andragogy-pedagogy-key-differences-learning2205.htm

THANKS!

EDU 537- GCU