ADULT LEARNING

PRESENTER
Ms. NEETHU ROSE JOHN
MSc 1ST YR
NIMHANS

DEFINITION
Adult education are activities intentionally
designed for the purpose of bringing
about learning among those whose age,
social roles or self perception define them
as adults.
(Merriam & Brockett 1997)

PEDAGOGY
ANDRAGOGY
MALCOLM KNOWLES- FATHER OF
ANDRAGOGY

IMPORTANCE AND NEEDS

New hope for illiterate

Wider intellectual horizon
Broaden the political horizon
Cultural tone of the community
Train in co- operate living
Continuing education

PRINCIPLES OF ADULT LEARNING

Adults are internally motivated and selfdirected

- facilitate
Adults bring life experiences and
knowledge to learning experiences
- find out about the student
- assist them to draw those experiences
- facilitate reflective learning
opportunities

PRINCIPLES contd

Adults are goal oriented

- provide meaningful learning
experiences
- provide real case studies
- ask questions that motivate

PRINCIPLES contd

Adults are relevancy oriented

Adults are practical
Adult learners like to be respected
- acknowledging experience
- consider as colleagues

ASSESSMENT OF LEARNING
NEEDS

Identify previous knowledge and skills

identify the skills that needs
development
Outline and define expectations and goals
Establish the need and demand for the
course you have in mind
Identify the content that best suits the
student needs

Contd.

Determine what skill set and knowledge

base is required for the tutor.
Cost benefit analysis

STEPS IN LEARNING NEEDS

ANALYSIS
design

STEP-1: DESIGN

Assess the current situation

Define the problem- what gap exist?
Determine if there is a need for learning
Evaluate existing training
Assess the possible learning solutions
Ascertain information about logistical
constraints

STEP-2: CONDUCT

Interviews
Focus group
Questionnaires
Observation
Action research

STEP-3: ANALYSE

What topics/issues can be prioritized?

Which, if any, elements are common to all
responses?
Are there any inconsistencies in the
responses?
Fit between emerging trends and learning
provider

PRIORITIES IN ADULT LEARNING

Faculty
Other students
Field of study
Learning environment
Support services

PRIORITIES IN ADULT LEARNING

contd.

Community
Cost and aid
Industry involvement
Standards of academic excellence
Amenities

TEACHING METHODS

Scaffolding
- task is identified
- facilitator determined
structure/scaffold
- achievement of the task
- next task is set and scaffolded again
- students can begin to learn on their
own

Praxis
- learning by doing
Constructivism
- act on new information with their new
knowledge
- resolve discrepancies

Spaced lecture
- pausing during the lecture(2-3mts)
- review the material
- summarize it in students words
Websites
Groupwork
Communication

RESOURCES OF ADULT LEARNING

Counsel on Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL)

Association for Non-Traditional Students in Higher
Education (ANTSHE)
Non-Traditional Student Organizations (by state)
American Association for Adult and Continuing
Education
California Advocates for Re-Entry Education (CARE)

RESOURCES contd

Financial
Material
manpower

PROBLEMS IN ANDRAGOGY

Non- co-operation of adults

Problem of attendance
Problem of social education workers
Problem of equipment
Problem of social backwardness
Problems of suitable literature
Problem of finance