PRINCIPLES OF ADULT LEARNING TO LEARNING GROUP

Principles Of Adult Learning To Learning Group

Principles Of Adult Learning To Learning Group

1.Introduction

Adult learners have different needs and motivations than students starting their education for the first time. Adult learners look for ways to grow within their careers, and for the new career opportunities that education may provide. This drive may stem from financial needs, or a desire to present an example to their family. Families fulfil an important role key to the success of the adult learner.

In balancing all of the aspects of their lives, adult learners may look to their family as a source of inspiration or motivation. The adult learner may return to school as part of a drive to better not just themselves, but the life of their family as well. Adult learners, also require relevance in the knowledge they seek. Adult learners seek to incorporate their past experience with new knowledge.

Increased self-esteem is both a motivating factor and a result of continued education with adults. We see a feedback loop between the realization that they are capable of learning, and the momentum built as the learning adult starts down the educational path. The adult learner is less likely to just accept what they are being taught, instead they must experience and take an active role in their education. For this reason, traditional teaching methods are less effective with learning adults. There are many factors that motivate the learning adult to not only start, but to continue their education into the future.

This paper will give brief discussion on a particular learning group that I currently teach mathematics, and the ways in which the principles of Adult Learning can be applied to the learning and teaching situation. The group selected is “Group 1”, which includes learners as follows:

learner must be motivated to learn - motivation can be intrinsic or extrinsic

Giving responsibility for learning motivates students

Learning should take account of individual differences in learner's capacities and styles and be self paced.

2.Application of the Principles of Learning

Principle 1: Independent Improvement

Adult Learners look to education as a way to consummate the need to advance them for independent improvement. The ability to be able to rise above the next person is something that we all seek as individuals. As time passes, we come across many experiences that will affect our lives. We are taught at a young age that we must learn from the encounters we come across. We are told that this way of thinking will improve our lives. As adults, the level of knowledge we seek, is greatly affected by personal life experiences. When we have problems, we engage in the journey of learning to help us deal with the issues.

Tinto (2003:5) explain that adults on average will explore learning experiences, because they have a use for the information being researched. The information that we acquire allows us to easily cope with all the trials and tribulations of life. The knowledge that we find gives us a sense of ...