616 final thoughts

Introduction

     For 616 we looked at adult learning and how it differs from teaching youth. It is not surprising that many of the principles that work for students do not work for adults. Pedagogy refers to teaching younger students, while androgyny is the study of working with adult learners. One of the pioneers of androgyny is Malcolm Knowles, whose principles have created the foundation for adult learning. This foundation was predicated on five characteristics associated with adult learners. First, adults already have a sense of self-concept (Pullagurla, 2014). Second, adult learners have a wealth of experiences that they draw from when learning new things (Pullagurla, 2014). Third, the readiness to learn is increasingly geared towards the social roles of each individual as time progresses (Pullagurla, 2014). Fourth, as a person matures the orientation of learning shifts from postponed application to the need for immediate application (Pullagurla, 2014). Fifth, the motivation to learn becomes more internal over time (Pullagurla, 2014). These five characteristics are still the guiding force behind adult education today.

Five Characteristics

     Adult learners contain many past experiences which have allowed them to develop an independent identity. Adult learners do not necessitate the same level, or style, of motivation as younger learners. These older individuals have their own sense of self-directed values which they will be drawn from when learning new material (The Adult Learning Theory - Andragogy, 2014). An adult learner also has a wealth of prior experiences in which they draw from when learning new material. An adult teacher should allow for their adult learners to bring in their own experiences to the educational realm. Furthermore,  Adult learners need material to be directly related to their social lives or their jobs. Due to this it is of extreme importance that the adult facilitator is well organized. The goals and objectives of the meeting should be clear, concise and stated at the beginning of a meeting. Next it is important for learners to have an immediate application for their learning. The idea of learning being useful in the future no longer works for adult learners. Everything they learn should be applicable immediately within their work, their personal life, or some specific aspect of their existence. Lastly, adult learners are not nearly as likely to work hard for small extrinsic rewards. The motivation to learn most come internally, as adults are unlikely to be motivated by a small tangible item.

Badges and Training

     Although Knowles states that adult learners are not motivated generally by extrinsic rewards, it is important to build positive feedback into the system. Badges may provide a meaningful way to give feedback to someone in a positive way. These things are important and although they might not work for all learners it may motivate some. When designing a training I used many of Knowles characteristics and also created badges to assist as well. Using a flipped classroom allowed me to maximize time and effort from my staff so they felt their presence was being appreciated and respected. It is important to always keep these ideas close by when working with adults to help ensure that working with adults will be a success.

Conclusion
     It is important to know the differences between best practices for students compared to best practices for adults. Malcolm Knowles extensively researched this area and his principles are still extremely useful today. I think that looking for new technologies to assist in creating reward systems is important as administrators progress. 

References

Pullagurla, A. (2014, January 20). 6 Top Facts About Adult Learning Theory. Retrieved May 15, 2017, from eLearning Industry: https://elearningindustry.com/6-top-facts-about-adult-learning-theory-every-educator-should-know

The Adult Learning Theory - Andragogy. (2014, April 2). Retrieved April 5, 2017, from eLearning Industry: http://elearninginfographics.com/adult-learning-theory-andragogy-infographic/?utm_campaign=elearningindustry.com&utm_source=%2Fthe-adult-learning-theory-andragogy-of-malcolm-knowles&utm_medium=link