EDU 537 Understanding Adult Learning

Understanding Adult Learning Strategies

Samantha Sanders, EDU:537, Grand Canyon University, November 26th, 2024, Dr. Phillip Brown

• Self-Concept
• Readiness to Learn
• Motivation to Learn

• Orientation Learning
• Adult Learning Experiences
• Active Learning

Principles from Malcom Knowles

There are six principles from Malcom Knowles that relate to adult learning or Andragogy (Flanagan, 2022). These include self-concept, readiness to learn, motivation to learn, active learning, orientation learning, and adult learning experiences (Pappas, 2023). Each one can be observed through various strategies when in the role of an instructional coach.

The goal of being a coach is to forfeit the role of “leader” and instead shift to the collaborator who pushes creative thinking and brings out the creative capabilities of those they are coaching (Cheliotes & Reilly, 2018). In addition, they are activating orientation to learning and adult learner experience by speaking on challenges observed that are relevant, asking for personal experience with these challenges, and collaborating on solutions with all party input (Pappas, 2023).

Pedagogy

Andragogy

Adult learners who are self-directed learners, real-world experience based, are motivated to learn, and their orientation of learning (Pappas, 2023).

Child learners who are developing real-world experiences, identifying learning preferences, and extrinsically motivated to learn (Pappas, 2023).

Adults are more established in their views, interests, and are intrinsically motivated to acquire new motivation if they know it will benefit them towards success (Pappas, 2023).

The focus of these differences can shape the way one approaches coaching adult learners. Their past experiences and knowledge greatly influence their approach to learning. Requiring coaches to reach into prior knowledge the way we would child learners and bringing relevance an collaboration to the forefront of the learning process.

Strategies for Coaching using the 6 Principles from Malcom Knowles

Adult Learning Experiences/ Motivation to Learn = Relevance to the target audiance

Example: Holding a professional development for staff when only one is struggling with small group rotations, does not help retain relevance and is not effective coaching. Creating poles on interests of the teachers of what they feel they could use more help in or are interested in trying, could prove very effective.

Self-Directed Learning / Oreintation Learning = Collaboration

Collaboration is effective when it comes to PLC meetings when there is usually a common issue that could use prior experience to solve. Using opportunities such as these to create dialogue and reach out to normally quiet teachers, is a way to build trust, create community among teachers, and increase collaborative efforts of the team.

Self-Concept / Motivation to Learn /Active Learning = Project-Based Learning

Introducing common scenarios that center around current challenges teachers are requiring solutions for. Combined with collaboration and relevance, self-concept and motivation learning refer to the idea that teachers are experienced and education, refraining from topic/concept based but problem solving based learning where they are active participants in the process.

Readiness to Learn = Tasks of their Roles

Tailor based around specific learner needs as you would to differentiate for child learning. Using visuals, interactive elements, problem-solving approaches, and interest of those in attendance to engage educators in the process of their own learning.

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References

Cheliotes, L. M. & Reilly, M. F. (2018). Coaching conversations: Transforming your school one conversation at a time. (2nd ed.). Corwin. Flanagan, D. (2022, February 11). Pedagogy, andragogy, and adult learning theory. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/pedagogy-andragogy-and-adult-learning-theory Nance, A. (2024, October 22). 15 Top Strategies for teaching Adult Learners [+ FAQs]. University of San Diego. https://pce.sandiego.edu/15-top-strategies-for-teaching-adult-learners-faqs/ Pappas, C. (2023, September 8). The Adult Learning Theory - Andragogy - of Malcolm Knowles. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/the-adult-learning-theory-andragogy-of-malcolm-knowles Storm, A. (2023, August 23). Principles of Andragogy: Theory, Examples, and Implementation. Thinkific. https://www.thinkific.com/blog/principles-andragogy/#:~:text=In%20his%20argument%20for%20andragogy,to%20learn%2C%20and%20Active%20learning.