Adult Learning Theory: Kolb Learning Model, Learning Styles Handout

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Who is the adult learner? According to Connell (2011), “So what is an adult?” The term ‘adult learner refers to learners “who have assumed the social and culturally-defined roles characteristic of adulthood and who perceive themselves to be adult, or, if those qualities are not ascertainable, learners who have achieved an age, such as 25, which would be regarded as adult irrelevant of social circumstances.” (p.95) On the other hand, Compton, Cox, & Laanan (2006), a growing segment within higher education is adult learners. Adult learners are considered to be called non-traditional students. There are various characteristics that set apart non-traditional students

Hence, the main goal from this assignment is to be able to identify different learning styles and establish my own responsibilities for my career.

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.

As humans, we differ in many ways and our personalities allow us to react and deal with situations as accordingly. However, just as our reactions differ according to our personalities, as learners, we too have preferences to which style we opt for, according to our suitability. There are various styles to learning; based on the work produced by Kolb, Peter Honey and Alan Mumford developed and identified four learning styles which include Pragmatist, Reflector, Activist and Theorist. It is said that in order to achieve the best of our academic abilities, one must understand and use the learning style which is best suited to maximise themselves.

A visually domininant learner retains information better when it is presented using visual tools like pictures, diagrams or charts and viewing online media.

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.

Learning is one of the most important and complex processes that humans participate in. While it is at the center of education, it must also be recognized that most of our everyday learning takes place outside of a classroom. Understanding the learning process and different perspectives is paramount in the delivery of education. This is true in formal education institutes, the workplace and in one’s personal journey of navigating our world. Throughout our course work, we have engaged in readings and discussions examining the similarities and differences between three adult learning perspectives – The Constructivist/Cognitivist theory, Phenomenography/Variation theory, and the Socio-cultural perspective.

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.