Adult Learners and Relevant Educational Models, Essay Example

Introduction

This paper posits to examine and provide a comparison between two educational models in adult learning. It will also grant an overview of the way in which teaching style could be adapted for individual adult learners. A phenomenon as complex as adult education, cannot be explained by a single theory, model or a set of principles. A good theory should provide explanations of the phenomenon as well as guidelines for action. Understandably, then, for more desirable results to be achieved in adult learning, a better understanding of the diverse learning theories as well as different learning experiences (Baumgartner, 2003).

Andragogy model of adult education

The andragogy model stresses the distinctive and demanding needs of the adult learner for a special kind of educational experience. The adult learner needs a model that is more attractive, more supple and, especially, more appreciative of the accessible knowledge base and experience of the adult learning. The andragogic model of adult learning has been very suitable for adult learners in mid-career. The model, however, falls short of entirely meeting the requirements of several adult learners in post-secondary institutions. Such adult learners have extensive experiences and diverse theories about the world and their responsibility in it. It is then proposed that other models of adult education exist to further enhance the continuum of needs that have developed for today’s adult learners (Knowles, et al. 1998).

How the teaching style could be adapted for individual adult learners

In adapting the andragogic model, the majority of instructors, would desire their students to have considerable levels of independence both in acquiring knowledge and in scrutinizing and amalgamating it.  There are four fundamental questions for structuring the andragogic learning experience; what content should be covered? What sequence should be followed in presenting the content? How should the content be organized? What is the most effective method for transmitting this content? In the andragogical approach, the instructor’s role is to design a process in which the adult learners assist in creating their answers to questions and as well, participate in the implementation of the answers.

Transformation model of adult education

The Transformation model bases its assumptions on the fact that adults, under-go major transformations in life. Adult development is neither a curvilinear nor a linear pathway from fewer complexes to more multifaceted development; on the other hand, it is a sequence of life cycles, with adult individuals continually moving through deep transformations (Mezirow, 2000).

How the teaching style could be adapted for individual adult learners

In the transformational model, learning is a social progression, and discourse is central to creating meaning. Transformational learning is the process of implementing change in a structure of reference (Mezirow, 2000). In facilitating transformational learning, instructors must assist adult learners become conscious and critical of their individual assumptions as well as the assumptions of others. Adult learners require practice in distinguishing structures of reference and utilizing their imaginations to reclassify problems from a dissimilar perspective. Adult learners require to be helped to participate efficiently in discourse. The discourse is essential in that, it helps in authenticating what and how, one comprehends. It also assists in authenticating how one arrives at a judgment about a belief. Educators must shoulder the responsibility for setting goals that clearly include independent thinking. They must also distinguish that it entails experiences designed to promote critical experience and reflectivity in discourse.

References

Baumgartner, L., Ming-Yeh,  S., & Flowers, D. (2003). Adult Learning Theory. Center on Education and Training for Employment, College of Education, Ohio State University.

Knowles, M., Holton, E.III, & Swanson, R.  (1998). The Adult Learner (5^th ed.).  Houston, TX; Gulf Publishing

Mezirow, J. (2000). “Learning to Think Like Adult: Core Concepts of the Transformation Theory”. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.