EDU 537 Adult Learning Theories

Understanding Adult Learning Theories

Malcolm Knowles' Principals of Andragogy

Differences Between Andragogy and Pedagogy

How does Malcolm Knowles' Adult Learning Theories Apply to Instructional Coaching

Not all learners think the same so understanding the differences between teaching children with andragogy principles, versus teaching pedagogy principles when working with adults. Children look toward adults for direction on what to learn and when young students are told what they will be learning about. Adults want autonomy to decide their own type of learning. Adults bring knowledge and experience to the situation where children usually need more information to access understanding on new concepts. Adults apply learning to situations as children build on learning for more advanced knowledge and understanding of their world.

Malcolm Knowles' adult learning theories must be applied when instructional coaches are working with teachers. Adults do not learn in the same way as children so coaches must apply the theories when working with teachers. Success in coaching adults should be self-directed, correlated with specific need for an adult learner to be motivated to put the effort forward to create a positive change towards professional goals.

Teaching Strategies for the Adult Learner

Strategies for adult learners will help to make the coaching more beneficial for the teacher and ultimately the learning for the student. Adults would like to be coached on areas that need to be enhanced. A strategy for adult self-directed learners to plan their own way to learn to fit their needs. Providing learning that will allow teachers to work when they can, juggle other responsibilities, and be responsible for their schedules to increase success.

Strategies for Adult Instructional Engagement

Adults would like to be coached on areas that need to be enhanced. A strategy for adult self-directed learners to plan their own way to learn to fit their needs. Another strategy is to understand the level of training the teachers have. Are the adults veteran learners with more understanding than a previous group? To make learning successful, a coach needs to understand background knowledge of the adults ahead of time for planning purposes.