the adult learner 1. the adult learner today we will be looking at... what is learning? philosophy...
TRANSCRIPT
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The Adult Learner
Today we will be looking at...
• What is Learning?• Philosophy and Principles of Adult
Education• Reflection on own beliefs• Theories & theorists of Adult Education• Learning Styles
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What is Learning?
•How did you learn in school?•How do you learn as an adult?•What are the similarities/differences?
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What is Learning?
• Negative learning experiences block learning.
• Positive learning experiences enhance learning.
• Learning is more than memorising.
• Learning is a journey by the tutor and the learner.
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Philosophy & Principles
• Practice should be informed by underlying rationale and approaches.
• Philosophy influences practice.• Philosophy guides our teaching &
learning.• Be reflective about what you are
doing.
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Principles of Adult Learning
• Tutors should have an understanding of philosophy and principles that underpin adult education.• Principles inform and guide
good practice.
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Mission Statement
• Brief description of fundamental purpose
• Why do we exist?• Spells out and overall goal• Guides work of an
organisation/individual
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Kerry Education Service Mission Statement
Our aim is to equip students to grow and develop in their role of parent, worker and citizen in a modern changing world.
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Adult Literacy & Basic Education Guiding Principles
To Read & Write is a Human Right
• Learners attend voluntarily• Learners set own learning goals• Confidential service• Everyone is respected• Relaxed and flexible learning
environment
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Philosophy & Theories
Theory without practice leads to an empty idealism, and action without philosophical reflection leads to mindless activism.
Elias and Meriam, Philosophical Foundations of Adult Education, 1980.
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Carl Rogers – 1902-1987
• Humanist psychologist• Concept of self actualisation• Humans have a natural
propensity to learn• Self-initiated learning involves
the whole person• Learning occurs when the ‘self’ is
not threatened.
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Paulo Freire – 1921-1997
• Community Ed-community action• Education should create critical
citizens• Education should be about
liberation• Respect for the learner• Learn the language of the learner
& identify with learner
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Jack Mezirow
• Tranformative education• We all have perpectives that
change over time • Triggers can create change/crisis• Emancipatory education help
explore alternative perspectives• Key element – reflection
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Malcolm Knowles – 1913-1997
• Andragogy – the teaching of adults as distinct of children• The tutor should foster an
environment that harnesses the drive for self-directed learning
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Theories of Learning – Summary
• Adult learners are distinctly different from children
• Learning is a social activity• Education should be a platform for
transformation, liberation• Adult tutors are partners in the
process• Main point is to be reflective,
cooperative and inventive
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How to Use these Theories
• This is not a dry academic debate
• Use theories to inform practice, create interesting and relevant activities
• No need to follow slavishly • Utilise as you see fit and
appropriate
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A Final Thought
Education is not the filling of a pail, but
the lighting of a fire.
William Butler Yeats