teaching-journal

Adult Learning Theory

by Navy Fleet and Family Readiness

Three common theories for adult learning

1. Andragogy
   • Malcolm Knowles - Methods and principles of learning (1970s)
   • Adults are driven my internal motives. Adults:
     • are more willing to learn when learning has immediate value
       • “What’s it’s worth to me?”
     • use past experiences to connect learning
       • “I remember a time when…”
     • are independent learners
     • find relevance in task-oriented and problem-solving learning
2. Transformational Learning
   • Jack Mezirow - Adults learn when new meaning is related to a previous experience
   • Three stages of transformational learning
     1. Identification of a dilemma or crisis
     2. Establishment of personal relevance
     3. Provide opportunities for critical thinking
        • Critical thinking: the analysis of available facts, evidence, observations, and arguments to form a judgment.
3. Experiential Learning
   • David A. Kolb - Successfulness of learning is creating meaning from experiences.
   • Four stages of successful learning
     1. Concrete experience
     2. Reflective observation
     3. Abstract conceptualization
     4. Active experimentation