Foundational Theories, Essay Example

Topic 1. Contexts: Select three different passages from the readings about context that you think are especially important regarding context in adult learning. In your posting, identify the passages (sentences or paragraphs), highlight the main ideas involved and discuss their importance.

According to Merram, Caffarella & Baumgatner, research has changed the educational approach for adults in recent years (2007). This is important because in the past, adults and children had the same foundational learning. Research has shown that there are differences in the learning abilities and begun addressing the challenges of adult learning as a whole. One of the areas that this has been noted is the impact that life experiences has on the overall learning process. Research has shown that individuals are able to draw from their past experiences and apply them to new information, therefore using that to better their knowledge base (Merram, Caffarella & Baumgatner, 2007). The carrying over of life experiences to education also promotes a more holistic approach to learning. This is where learners are able to develop and recognize their own feelings, manner by which they understand and interaction with others in the classroom setting. By engaging in the learning process in a more holistic manner, students are able to draw more from their educational experiences and also become more fulfilled in their journey.

Through the differentiation of adult and child learning also comes the ability to more accurately identify barriers that inhibit transformative learning (Merriam, 2008). Addressing barriers can assist adults in their ability to learn, as well as help them develop more of awareness to their own readiness to change. With the ever changing field of technology, adult learners are more able to engage in learning through the internet and various other learning activities, therefore providing them the ability to become motivated for educational changes and learning. The additional technology also removes many of the barriers that inhibit learning.

Topic 2. Foundational Theories: On what basis does Merriam posit andragogy and self-directed learning as two of the foundational (pillar) theories of adult learning? What is your critique of this selection?

According to the text, andragogy is the foundation or techniques/methods involved in teaching adults (Merram, Caffarella & Baumgatner, 2007).  These techniques or methods are regarded as assumptions about how adult’s learners learn and the manner by which they gain knowledge. The processes that they go through to gather information and also strengthen that knowledge is said to be a foundational pillar because it is the founding basis of educational theories about adult learners.   Borrowing and expanding on the theory, is Knowles theory of andragogy that proposes the way that adult learners develop their own knowledge base (1990). This suggests that the adult learner must be motivated, learn through applying their own life experiences, understand the basis of their learning and also be able to learn through both informal and formal environments. Self-directed learning suggests that adult learners must “take responsibility” for their own learning and be able to motivate and appropriately engage (Merram, Caffarella & Baumgatner, 2007). This is also seen as a pillar because without motivation and some self-direction, students are likely not to succeed. The text suggests that both andragogy and self-directed learning are foundational pillars because they are the mere foundation that attempts to expand or improve the theories on adult learning.

Topic 3. Experience: Select three different passages from the readings about experience and learning that are especially relevant to you. In your posting, identify the passages (sentences or paragraphs), highlight the main ideas involved, and discuss their importance.

In Chapter Seven, the text notes that there is a connection between life experiences and learning (Merram, Caffarella & Baumgatner, 2007). This is important because individuals are not only shaped by what they are learning, but also how they apply their past experiences to their newly obtained information. It provides more of a basis of learning, but also gives a person the ability to build a basis for new experiences and methods of learning. Students can link their past and future experiences so that they can engage in reflecting to improve their environment and future experiences. Reflection according to Merriam is the brains ability to associate new and old information, therefore making connections (2008). Once those connections are made, learning can take place easier because the brain builds more neural networks through this process.

Merram, Caffarella & Baumgatner do also point out that some experiences or past learning may not be beneficial. Individuals can be skewed by negative experiences that they have had in the past and can actually hinder their future learning process. I think this is important in any educational setting as this may create barriers that hinder the learning process. It is also imperative that educators realize the importance of experience in the educational setting.

Topic 4. Transformational Learning: Which of the approaches to transformational learning is the most compelling to you, and why?

Merriman notes that the cultural-spiritual view of transformative learning is “between individuals and social structures…and intersecting positionalities” (2008). Individuals are said to be able to achieve growth and emotional fulfillment in the educational experience when they are able to achieve intrapersonal spirituality. Some might confuse this view with a strict sense of religion or a practice of a higher faith; however the cultural-spiritual view can be associated with emotions, relationships, thoughts of culture and the students overall thought process about who they are. When they are “in tune” with their own inner thoughts and emotions, they are better able to engage and also allow new information within their own educational basis or framework.

I can identify with this theory personally, as I am able to learn and keep an open mind to information when I am content within my own self. If students are struggling with an issue emotionally or based on their own beliefs they are less likely to learn or allow the information to “be true”.  The text also notes this theory as allowing the sharing of experiences and inquiry, which facilitates those of us that ask questions and are curious about the overall learning experience. Sharing stories and listening to other perspectives oftentimes helps me learn as it can give me a new frame of reference about a particular topic or subject that I may not be familiar with.

References

Knowles, M. S. (1990). The adult learner: A neglected species. Houston, TX: Gulf Publishing.

Merriam, S. B. (2008). Adult learning theory for the twenty-first century. In S. B. Merriam (Ed.), Third update on adult learning theory (pp. 93-98). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Merriam, S. B., Caffarella, R. S., & Baumgartner, L. M. (2007). Learning in adulthood. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.