introduction to the course

EDST 518: Theories and Research on Adult Learning

Introduction to the courseDr. Hongxia Shan

Acknowledgement

Acknowledging the aboriginal land on which UBC is based!

A bit about myself

Professional background: workplace training; Areas of research interest:

Gender and work; Transformative learning; Emotional learning; Everyday multiculturalism; Professional learning and knowledge “transfer” in the

context of migration and globalization;

Goals of the course

To introduce you to some of the learning theories and research;

For you to explore how these theories could inform your teaching, learning and other educational or work practices.

Learning objectives

By the end of the course, students will be able to: Identify, describe and critically appreciate some major

theoretical perspectives on adult learning; Make significant connections between some of the learning

perspectives and your personal and professional practices; Develop your own understanding of learning in relation to

your work/educational practices.

Learning theories covered in this course

Some classical learning theories that treat the individuals as the unit of analysis;

Some sociocultural and sociomaterial learning theories that distribute the responsibilities of teaching and learning among human beings and perhaps non-human things as well.

Learning theories covered in this course Week Theme

Session One

May 9 - May 15

An Overview

Neurological perspectives of learning  

Session Two

May 16 - May 22

Self-directed learning

Experiential learning

Transformative learning

Session Three

May 24 - May 29

Emotional, embodied and spiritual dimensions of learningNon-western Perspectives of learning

Session Four

May 30 - June 5

Community of practice

Cultural Historical Activity Theory

Session Five

Jun. 6 - June. 12

Cross-cultural learningTrauma and LearningOnline learning

Your tasks each week

This course comprises

Tasks Expectations Course readings Four readings - Puzzle Learning;Learning modules Open by 9:00 am on Monday

PST time – you are expected to review the module in relation to the readings;

Group blogging Summarizing and sharing the reading by Wed.; responding to questions and inquiries;

Facilitated class discussion in discussion forum –

Contribute one post and respond to two other posts each week based on the course readings.

Other notes

A Question-and-Answer section where you can post your questions;

In session 6 – a group blogging where you post your final learning project (usually based on your final paper).

On June 6: A hybrid session on Trauma and Learning 11:00 am to 12:30 pm POND 1008;