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Understanding Adult Learning

Cara Henderson

Created on June 19, 2024

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Understanding Adult Learning Theories

Cara Henderson

Two andragogical strategies to engage adult learners

References

Teaching strategies for coaching the adult learner

Andragogy vs. Pedagogy

Malcolm Knowles' principles of andragogy

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Here are Malcolm Knowles' six principles of andragogy, applied to instructional coaching: Need to Know: Adults need to understand the reason behind learning something (Loeng & Omwami, 2018). Applied to instruction coaching-Clearly explain the benefits and purposes of new teaching strategies or techniques. Show how these methods can improve classroom management, student engagement, and learning outcomes. Self-Concept: Adults want to be responsible for their own learning decisions (Loeng & Omwami, 2018). Applied to instruction coaching- Empower teachers to take control of their professional development by involving them in setting goals and making decisions about what areas they want to focus on. Encourage self-reflection and self-assessment. Experience: Adults bring valuable experiences that form the basis for new learning (Loeng & Omwami, 2018). Applied to instruction coaching-Leverage teachers’ prior classroom experiences when introducing new concepts. Encourage them to share their successes and challenges, and relate new strategies to their existing practices. Readiness to Learn: Adults learn best when they see the relevance to real-life situations (Loeng & Omwami, 2018). Applied to instruction coaching- Focus coaching sessions on immediate classroom challenges and needs. Provide just-in-time support that addresses current issues teachers are facing, making the learning relevant and timely. Orientation to Learning: Adults prefer learning that is problem-centered rather than content-oriented(Loeng & Omwami, 2018). Applied to instruction coaching- Use a problem-solving approach in coaching. Help teachers tackle specific classroom problems by applying new techniques or strategies. Ensure that the learning is practical and directly applicable to their day-to-day teaching. Motivation: Adults are primarily motivated by internal factors (Loeng & Omwami, 2018). Applied to instruction coaching-Tap into teachers’ intrinsic motivations by linking coaching goals to their personal and professional aspirations. Highlight how improving their teaching practices can lead to better student outcomes, job satisfaction, and personal growth.

Loeng, S., & Omwami, E. (2018). Various ways of understanding the concept of andragogy. Cogent Education, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2018.1496643 University of San Diego-Professional & Continuing Education. (2022, March 21). 15 Top Strategies for Teaching Adult Learners. University of San Diego - Professional & Continuing Education. https://pce.sandiego.edu/15-top-strategies-for-teaching-adult-learners-faqs/ WGU. (2022, May 24). Andragogy vs. Pedagogy: Key Differences in Learning. Western Governors University. https://www.wgu.edu/blog/andragogy-pedagogy-key-differences-learning2205.html

Significance in Adult Education (WGU, 2022)Andragogy:

  • Relevance: Tailors learning to adults’ needs, making it more effective and meaningful.
  • Engagement: Uses adults' experiences and practical applications to enhance learning.
  • Self-Direction: Encourages lifelong learning and professional growth.
Pedagogy:
  • Foundation: Provides essential knowledge and skills in early education.
  • Adaptability: Some pedagogical elements can help adults new to a subject.

Differences Between Andragogy and Pedagogy Learner’s Role and Responsibility: Andragogy and pedagogy differ in their approach to teaching adults and children. Andragogy focuses on self-directed, relevant learning for adults, making education more effective. Pedagogy provides a foundational, structured approach for children. Understanding these differences helps tailor teaching strategies to the needs of different learners (WGU, 2022). Andragogy: Adults are self-directed and take charge of their learning (WGU, 2022). Pedagogy: Children depend on the teacher for guidance and direction (WGU, 2022). *Learning Experience: Andragogy: Adults bring valuable life experiences to learning. Pedagogy: Children have limited experiences, so the teacher provides context. *Readiness to Learn: Andragogy: Adults learn when it’s relevant to their personal or professional life. Pedagogy: Children’s readiness is based on developmental stages and curriculum. *Orientation to Learning: Andragogy: Adults prefer problem-solving and practical applications. Pedagogy: Children focus on acquiring knowledge in a structured way. Riadnenko, 2023) *Motivation: Andragogy: Adults are motivated by internal factors like self-esteem and curiosity. Pedagogy: Children are motivated by external factors like grades and rewards. :

6. Respecting Autonomy: Treat adult learners as equals and respect their autonomy. Involve them in decision-making about their learning process. Provide choices in learning activities and assessments. 7. Flexibility: Offer flexible scheduling and learning formats to accommodate their busy lives. Use a mix of face-to-face, online, and blended learning methods. Allow for self-paced learning when possible. 8.Goal-Oriented Learning: Align learning activities with their personal and professional goals. Help them create actionable plans to achieve their goals. Regularly review and celebrate progress towards these goals. 9.Immediate Relevance: Ensure that learning content is relevant to their current job or personal life. Focus on practical knowledge that they can use right away. Use just-in-time learning techniques to address immediate needs. 10. Motivation and Encouragement: Tap into intrinsic motivators such as personal growth and achievement. Provide positive reinforcement and constructive feedback. Create a supportive learning environment that encourages risk-taking and experimentation.

When coaching adult learners, effective teaching strategies should be aligned with Malcolm Knowles' principles of andragogy. Here are some strategies that would be appropriate (University of San Diego-Professional & Continuing Education, 2022): 1. Facilitating Self-Directed Learning: Encourage adults to set their own learning goals. Provide resources and support for independent study. Use coaching sessions to help them reflect on their progress and adjust their learning plans. 2. Leveraging Experience: Incorporate activities that allow learners to share their experiences. Use case studies and real-life scenarios that are relevant to their work or life. Facilitate peer-to-peer learning and discussions where they can learn from each other’s experiences. 3. Problem-Based Learning: Design coaching around solving real-world problems. Use practical examples and scenarios that adults can relate to. Encourage them to apply what they’ve learned to their own challenges and projects. 4.Collaborative Learning: Foster a collaborative learning environment where learners can work together. Use group discussions, team projects, and peer reviews. Encourage networking and the building of a learning community. 5.Practical Application: Focus on skills and knowledge that have immediate practical application. Provide opportunities for hands-on practice and real-time feedback. Use simulations, role-playing, and other interactive activities.

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Two Andragogical Strategies to Engage Adult Learners During Instructional Coaching Problem-Based Learning (PBL) (University of San Diego-Professional & Continuing Education, 2022): Implementation: Introduce real-world problems relevant to the adult learners' professional context. For example, if coaching elementary school teachers, present a scenario such as managing a classroom with diverse learning needs. Engagement: This strategy engages adult learners by allowing them to apply their existing knowledge and experiences to solve practical issues. They can collaborate to develop solutions, discuss various approaches, and reflect on the outcomes, which makes the learning process dynamic and directly applicable. Experiential Learning (University of San Diego-Professional & Continuing Education, 2022): Implementation: Design activities that require learners to actively participate and reflect on their experiences. This could include role-playing scenarios, conducting classroom observations, or practicing new teaching techniques in a safe, supportive environment. Engagement: Adults are more engaged when they can see the immediate relevance of what they are learning and can directly apply it to their practice. After the experiential activities, follow up with reflective discussions or debriefing sessions where learners can share insights, discuss what worked, and identify areas for improvement. This approach not only reinforces learning but also empowers learners to take ownership of their professional development.

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