Adult Learning Theory: Kolb Learning Model, Learning Styles Handout

Throughout my high school and early college career, the concept of a learning style is far from foreign. I have learned of the three main learning styles: auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. I have taken multiple tests and found out what my learning style is and that it has not changed much throughout my educational career. Earlier in this course, I learned that I need to adapt the way the teacher is teaching to the learning style that best suits me. My learning style is mainly visual and kinesthetic. However, the questionnaire created by Barbara Soloman and Richard Felder has given me a lot more insight to my learning style. I have learned more about my learning style such as what type of learner I am, how I learn best, my preferred way to

In an effort to determine how adults learn, experts examine and evaluate studies that have been done that involve the adult learner. The more that experts understand how the learner processes information, the better the understanding will be on how to structure their learning environment. Research is continually changing in this area, and educators know there are differences in how each adult learner attains information. In the two articles, “Adult Learning Theory for the Twenty-First Century” by Sharan B. Merriam, and “Adult Learning Theory: Applications to Non-Traditional College Students” by Kenner and Weinerman, different theories are discussed.

Each individual has a unique way of learning which is referred to as a learning style. It is important for an individual to know their learning style because it can allow them to work on their weaknesses and develop on their strengths. Sometimes, individuals use learning style that does not correspond to their right way of learning. Once an individual knows what their learning style entails, they can improve and enhance more on their career path. For instance, one’s learning style is important in academic success when discovered; they will have the ability to understand and grasp anything in their future endeavours.

Adults are motivated entirely different in the way they learn. Adults are motivated to learn for various reasons such as professional development, potential advancement at work or simply continuing to improve ones lives, as one gets older. However, it is but practical to consider the ideas on how adults are motivated to learn, what principles of learning works, so that adult educators could likewise respond appropriately.

Looking at learning theories through two different views was interesting. In the article, Revisiting Adult Learning Theory through the Lens of an Adult Learner, it was the basic guidelines and idea of adult learning theories. In the article, Revisiting Adult Learning Theory through the Lens of an Adult Learner, the article was written from the view of an adult student and covered what some of the first article had addressed. Author discussed about how some adult learners make their own learning theories. Also, saw some of the pressures that adult students can be faced with and they were addressed in the article. It was about how some adult learners make their own learning theories some of the pressures

The theory of adult learning is the assumptions about how adults learn. Emphasizes the value of the process of learning in adults ("Adult Learning Theory," 2007). Malcom Knowles and American practitioner and theorist of adult education defined is as an art and science of helping adults learn ("Adult Learning Theory," 2007). Knowles also defined six adult learning principles as adults are internally motivated and self-directed, adults bring life experiences and knowledge to learning experiences and are goal orientated. They also relevancy oriented and are practical learners who like to be respected when in the classroom ("Adult Learning Theory," 2007). As educators, we need to foster the adult learner’s internal motivation to learn. Develop a rapport with the adult learner, encourage them to ask questions and explore concepts. Some adult learners come with years of experience and knowledge, with this as an instructor or teacher we need to harvest this information and have them apply it to their

The Adult Learning Theory is based on understanding how adults learn and how they respond to the program in general. Researchers have found three key methods on how adults learn: experiential learning, transformational learning, and non-Western and Indigenous ways of knowing and learning (CITE). In Experiential Learning, adults learn through the experiences they have lived. Transformational Learning, on the other hand, is a “process in which adult learners question their own lives and how they interact with the world in which they live in” (CITE). Thus meaning that adults learn through situations that challenge their own thoughts about something and makes them reevaluate their original thought process. Lastly, Non-Western and Indigenous ways of knowing and learning is a bit complicated in adult learning as it is hard to find ways to categorize it. Despite the difficulty, there are four reoccurring themes in Non-Western and Indigenous learning: Communal nature of learning, the oneness of learners with the natural world, the oral tradition of learning, and knowledge as holistic (CITE). Further elaboration on this type of adult learning reflects on understanding cultural differences and the value of

Adults differ from children in that they have spent years building up a foundation of life experience that serves as a starting point for any new learning whether formal or informal. Malcolm Knowles recognized this foundation when outlining his theory of Andragogy. He also highlighted that adults not only approach learning opportunities with prior experience, but also find motivation for learning within themselves, are able to learn independently and have the ability to integrate learning into their previously established experiences and find immediate application for their new learnings (Abela, 2009).

After completing the assessment, the inventory concludes that my learning style is predominantly feeling and concrete experiences. For concrete experience, my score of 43 reveals my passion to learn information that I believe is relevant for myself. Subsequently, scoring 34 for active experimentation indicates my preference for applying and testing ideas to understand a concept. Additionally, scoring 25 for reflective observation reveals how I learn concepts through observing others complete a task. Scoring 18 for abstract conceptualization indicates how my learning style does not depend on facts and figure. With all of these learning styles, my graph illustrates strong areas in mode 4 and 1, however, it is immensely low in mode 2 and 1. Overall, my results showcase that I belong in mode 4 learning. The learning style inventory is accurate as it reveals that my strongest learning style is concrete experience. This

Adult learning theory proposes that learners are responsible for their own learning and must be self-directed.

It is common for adults to continue learning after completing secondary education. Whether it is work related, self-improvement, or newfound interest in a particular area, continuation of learning and education are common experience for most adults. There are courses and training facilities widely available for adults, however is not immediately apparent how the educational experience can best be organized and delivered to the adult learner. Adult learning has been described as a separate entity to the tradition

In this chapter I learned about my learning style and how different learning styles impact our lives.

Since I am a nontraditional college student who is taking online classes towards my BA degree in Accounting, learning is the same compared to a classroom setting. Learning is taking in knowledge from the world around me, making sense of it, and respond to it in an appropriate manner. Anybody can learn stuff by memorizing the information, but do not engage with it. Therefore, you must have intentional learning. You can understand yourself as a learner, and understand how to develop your skills as an intentional learner. My views of learning changed so much the last five weeks, because of knowing my LCI(Learning Connections Inventory) scores that are the four personal learning patterns: Sequence, Precision, Technical Reasoning, and Confluence. My learning patterns help me engage in my critical thinking, reading, and writing. Being a successful learner doesn’t happen by chance, it happens because of a prepared mind.

Adult learners use their life experiences and knowledge to make connections which allows adults to have a better understanding of a specific concept. " Adults have lived longer, seen and done more, have the tendency to link their past experiences to anything new and validate new concepts based on prior learning" (Pappas, 2013). As a teacher, I am constantly asking my students to make connections so they can relate to what they are reading or learning about in class. This is a skill. Adult learners have had the time to develop this skill and master it. This is yet another concept children must learn so they can use it in their adult life to effectively learn.

Adult learning is the acquisition of knowledge by adults. Theories on adult learning have been discoursed and analyzed thoroughly by different people, with the aim of trying to define it and optimize it. The two articles I have read describe adult learning, discuss its characteristics and explain various approaches and means of optimization of this subject.