Direct Learning Theories (ADED-5050)-Self-Directed Learning

For years, there have been many theorists who have shared their views on how individuals learn. Such research has determined that individuals have different learning styles. It is important for teacher to understand the learning styles of both themselves and their students because it helps them to relay the subject knowledge to the students. The teacher is in a position where they must be able to assess the learning styles of their students. This means that the students and teachers are both in a process of learning.

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

When did adult learning begin to take a stance in the field of Education? Adult Learning started to be considered a professional career in the early 1920 's. The basis of the adult Learning method cannot be summed into only one Theory of how Adults Learn . We can however, note the similarities and differences of adult learning based on relevant information that compares and contrasts how individuals act and react to different theories . Many different theories exist in the Adult learning world although there are two theories that will be compared. These theorists are, Malcolm Knowles and David Kolb. Although differing in theory Knowles and Kolb bring uniquely different insight to the Adult Education world. Exactly what is the Adult learning theory ?

The goal of adult learning is to advance knowledge and proficiency, and to enhance performance by transferring knowledge directly to work

Are people too stubborn and independent to learn once they become adults? The Adult Learning Theory focuses on the difference between how adults learn and how children learn. There are three main central ideas that support the Adult Learning Theory. These ideas or theories are known as andragogy, self-directed learning, and transformational learning. Andragogy is the teaching of adults, self-directed learning is the individual controlling their learning, and transformational learning is the individual learning from life experiences.

Until I began studying human development at SIU, I had no idea that so many theories solely about how adults learn even existed. I must admit, I find it all to be a bit overwhelming to say the least. The reason I began the workforce education program specifically was because I want to help catalyst and bring about change in people’s lives. The philosophy that my own personal philosophy falls in line with the most and I received the highest scored in, would be behaviorist. My personal philosophy on adult learning is simple; I want to promote behavioral change for the betterment of all humankind. I believe this can be achieved through proper guidance. There should be some form of support that acts as a compass to help those who lose their way or experience difficulties along the way. During this process, I also hope to

A self-directed learner is comfortable with independence. He is reliant on his network to learn effectively. He must take initiative to do things he must do and not wait for someone told him what to do. A self-directed learner views problems as challenges, not obstacles. He has a growth mindset when thing do not go as planned. A self-directed learner is self-confident. He always believes in himself that he could achieve every goal. A self-directed learner has a strong desire to learn or change. He has will to get knowledge and views learning as a positive way forward. A self-directed learner is able to organize his time to work productively.

It has been 12 years since I’ve taken a college class. This discussion board has awakened my learning skills in academic reading and written. The purpose of this posting is to discuss the 5 motivations for learning that makes adults different from children. (Harper & Ross, August 1, 2011, p. 165) Malcolm Knowles renewed interest in the adult learner in the 1960’s then pursue it in earnest in the 1980’s. (Wendy Conaway and Barbara Zorn-Arnold, n.d., p. 38). The two characteristics of learning I can most relate to and identify within myself is the Need to Know and Intrinsic Motivation. Malcolm Knowles is world know for his Theories of how adults learn. They can be separated into 5 characteristics. They are as follows, Self-Directedness, Need to Know, Readiness To Learn, Orientation To Learning, and Intrinsic Motivation. (Wendy Conaway and Barbara Zorn-Arnold, n.d., p. 38)

The “adult learning” theory is a methodology which enables adults to apply and integrate what they have learned to the real world, when done properly it results in shortened learning curves, for one when they become an employee or for enlightening students. In order for an adult to commit to learning several things must usually occur, these consist of; goals that are achievable, if one sincerity believes that the goal is too difficult this will soon cause procrastination, one must place value on what they learn, application to the real world must be clear and precise. Group activities enable learners to share knowledge, experiences and enlighten each other. Finally when peer support is applied this removes judgement.

Basically, this article by Malcolm Knowles is a conglomerate of all aspects of adult learning. It outlines aspects of adult learning, theories of adult learning, and expands on them. The main idea of this article is to create awareness on the existence of adult learning, and to help instructors of adult learning to know how to go about it successfully. Additionally, the article is of help to adult learners to enable them to learn the most they can (Knowles, 2007).

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.

As we discussed in class, motivation plays an intrinsic role in creating successful self-directed learning. Those who practice this form of learning, in various ways, are driven by personal or external incentives, such as the desire to learn something, or simply for curiosity 's sake, self-esteem and self-efficiency. Because of this self-directed learners are known to take initiative, view issues as challenges to overcome, become confident, have a desire to evolve, and appreciate and seek out learning opportunities (Taylor, 1995).

My impression of adult education has changed immensely. First and foremost, the first lesson learned that teaching adults are a separate, intensive, and long debated process. Portions of certain theories learned illustrated below. I have extended knowledge about Meizrow (Transformational Learning) and Knowles (Andragogy). The six key features of Adult Learners are:

In addition, because so little is known about self-directed learning among older adults, a third objective will complete the research effort: