EDU-537: Adult Learning Theories

Understanding Adult Learning Theories

EDU-537 Leadership and Instructional CoachingDr. Shad MorrowVerenice De Leon

Instructional Coaching

*click on the words to find out more*

Strategies for Coaching Adult Learners

Malcolm Knowles' Principles of Andragogy

Andragogical Strategies

References

Andragogy vs. Pedagogy

References:

Conaway, W., & Zorn-Arnold, B. (2015). The keys to online learning for adults. Distance Learning, 12(4), 37–42. Pappas, C. (2013). The adult learning theory – Andragogy – of malcolm knowles. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/the-adult-learning-theory-andragogy-of-malcolm-knowles Western Governors University. (2022). Andragogy vs. pedagogy: Key differences in learning. https://www.wgu.edu/blog/andragogy-pedagogy-key-differences-learning2205.html

Six Principles of "Andragogy":

1. The role of the experience 2. Self-directedness 3. The learner's need to know 4. Readiness to learn 5. Orientation to learning 6. Intrinsic motivation

Malcom Knowles'

(1913 - 1997)

An American educator known for adopting the term "Andragogy" in relation to adult education (Pappas, 2013).

How the principles apply to instructional coaching:

Malcom Knowles' proposed four principles that should be applied to adult learning. In short they are forms of engagment, providing feeding, scaffolding to promote learning and lastly integrating their prior knowledge to current learning (Pappas, 2021). The principles apply to insuctional coaching because the best forms of instructional coaching incorporate all four principles.

Strategies for Coaching Adult Learners:

• Integrate their personal experiences into their learning by activating prior knowedge. This is a great way for them to make connections with the new concepts.
• Maintain relevence in what they are leaning. Applying real-world situations that they can relate to will keep learners engaged and interested.
• Provide multiple opportunites for collaborative discussions. This gives them a chance to share their personal ideas and perspectives with one another.

• "Andra" = Adult
• The main focus is "leading the elders"
• Adults are independent and self-directed learners
• Learning is based on personal and professional growth or development
• Problem-centered model
• Self-motivated to accomplish goals

Andragogy

• "Peda" = Child
• The main focus is "leading the young"
• Children are dependent
• Learning and concepts taught are based on age-appropraite skills needed in order to move on to the next grade level
• Subject-focused model with a set curriculum
• Depedent on external sources for motivation (ex. rewards, praise, etc.)

Pedagogy

VS

(Western Governers University, 2022)

Two Andragogical Strategies to Engage Adult Learners:

1. Problem-Centered Model

2. Collaborative Learning

Through collaborative learning, adults work together ito complete assignments. It allows additoinal time and opportunities for them to learn from one another, participate in collaborative open-ended discussions and shair personal ideas or perspectives with each other.

In a problem-centered model, they apply what they are learning to their profession (Conaway & Zorn-Arnold, 2015). They are learning purposeful concepts that are currently useful to them rather than being useful in the future (Conaway & Zorn-Arnold, 2015). Adults are more interested learning concepts that are immediatly relevent and impact their jobs or personal life (Wstern Governers University, 2013).