Concept Based Adult Learning Theory

As the demand for nursing education grows and with the rapidly advancing roles of nursing, educators need to stay up-to-date. “Theory-based practice provides nurses with a perspective” (Parker, 2006, p.28). With the comprehension and use of educational theories, nursing educators can support student knowledge and development into practice. These theories are outlines of cohesive concepts and principals that describe, explain, or predict how people learn. Every one learns differently and as an educator you need to be familiarized with and open to the use of one or more combinations of theories to successfully teach adult learners in this ever changing health care system. This paper will highlight the use of Constructivist Learning Theory and its application to nursing practice.

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

Knowles posits that adult learners are self directed and autonomous. They are goal oriented, practical and must see and understand the relevance of any training. Adults bring an abundance of experience and knowledge, experiential learning, with them. Most importantly, “…adults need to be shown respect.” (Lieb)

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

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

Adult learners have a higher internal motivation to learn, and they find an internal reward value for learning (Woods & Frogge, 2017). Adult learners want to achieve the learning objectives and to learn new skills, and traditional students are more focused on the grade that is earned (Woods & Frogge, 2017). Since adult learners work full-time and raise a family, they want a flexible schedule with their education courses (Woods & Frogge, 2017). Adult learners have a higher commitment to their studies compared to traditional students (Woods & Frogge, 2017). Adult learners have a real-life work experience that they want to relate to their education (Woods & Frogge, 2017). Adult learners have better time-management skills compared to traditional students (Woods & Frogge, 2017) and are more self-directed learners (Merriam & Bierema, 2014). Adult learners want to know

Life is so busy these days that sometimes we don’t stop to think how we got to this point or realize some of those key factors that played a role. I think it is fair to say that most people take a lot of things for granted but when you pause and analyze life’s events it can be an eye opener and really get you thinking about how certain career decisions have created a pathway for your career and at life-space. Gets a little scary when you think back on how one or two decisions could have really swayed your career. I think we can all think back to an event in our adult development

Theories and principles of adult learning: This is teaching concepts of nursing, and ensuring that the framework for the curriculum is addressed.

I agree with your idea. Adult learners want to depend on themselves during nursing practice and use their concepts or knowledge in the clinical setting. However, as long as they are learners, they need practical advice from their instructor. Certainly, the theory might provide relevant information about clinical setting, but if adult students do not apply that knowledge and concepts in the clinical setting, they do not know that theory is positive or negative. Its necessary adult learners obtain new information about nursing education because adult learners will help and teach community or society in the future. Of course, if the learners wish to learn, they can learn. For instance, when I worked in the intensive care unit, I saw

Adult learning can be difficult to address for faculty in nursing education. It has become increasingly important to develop greater clinical thinking and reasoning skills in nursing students. However, students are stretched thin with busy lifestyles and often do not learn effectively from traditional teaching techniques. Nursing educator faculty must be knowledgeable in the latest research on adult learning and effective teaching strategies to engage learners and provide an active learning environment. Strategies that can be utilized are case studies, concept mapping, journaling, utilizing a flipped classroom for self-directed learning, and clinical simulation. Exploring these different learning strategies and comparing the advantages

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.

The six principals of adult learning are the )learner needs to know( 2) self-concept of the learner (3)prior experience of the learner( 4) readiness to learn(,5) orientation to learning and(6) motivation to learn .Learning is an active exercise, healthcare professionals prefer to learn independently and self-directed. Learner have control over their learning process. Adult learners use past experiences and present concerns and their role relevant to work, and family and to learning.

Gadbow believes it is the duty of adult educators to instill a life-long love of learning into their students, "helping adults learn how to learn is the most important thing a teacher ever does" (p. 53). The first responsibility of educators working with adults is to help them identify their learning styles and differences as well as other special learning needs, and then provide effective strategies to adapt to these individual learning needs (53). The author's contention that all learners are special means seeing the possibilities as well as the problems or particular needs of each student as they present themselves.