Nursing: Knowles’ Theory, Essay Example

Adult learning styles

This discussion board provides a framework through which students can interact with each other on topics taught in class. Great opportunities for networking are afforded as students exchange ideas on selected topics. The purpose of today’s post is sharing information about Knowles’ adult learning theory. Five assumptions about adult learning were offered by Knowles. They pertain to self-concept; adult learner experience; readiness to learn; orientation to learning and motivation to learn (Knowles,  1984).

According to Knowles ( 1984 ) self-concept matures with age. Consequently, as the adult learner develops a profound understanding of his/her potential, dependency is weaned. The individual becomes self-directed. This is my truth because as a child my dependence was n parents and teachers to take me through the learning process. My teacher had to say the exact books that were to be obtained for researching selected topics as if we were incapable of completing the task independently. As an adult when the self-concept grows the internet is used to facilitate the process. Psychologists advance that one’s culture and the society is responsible for shaping this aspect of the human personality (Keasley, 2010).

Another characteristic most consistent with my personal learning style is orientation to learning. The theorist is advancing that an adult’s orientation to learning changes over time. For example, in my situation when in high school my orientation towards learning was obtaining knowledge subjects that would prepare me for a career. Now has a career path has been chosen the orientation to learning has shifted. My focus is towards learning to be a professional. When this is over, another shift in orientation will occur.

References

Knowles, M. (1984). The Adult Learner: A Neglected Species (3rd Ed.). Houston, TX: Gulf Publishing.

Kearsley, G. (2010). Andragogy (M.Knowles). The theory Into practice database. Retrieved f n October 26^th, 2015 from http://tip.psychology.org