Adult Learning Experience Essay
My Take of the Adult Learning Experience
This paper will address adult learning in relationship to Malcolm Knowles’ adult learning theory and David Kolb’s experiential learning theory. The ideas addressed will also show how this knowledge can help me to learn more efficiently in the future.
To begin discussing adult learning I would like to first look at the teaching of children. The term pedagogy means the art and science of teaching children (Knowles, 1970). Pedagogy is based on a classroom, curriculum, and testing model; this style is the traditional style of child education and is based on the child being an empty vessel dependent on being filled with knowledge from others.
Opposite pedagogy is the term andragogy, which means the art and science of teaching adults. Malcolm Knowles’ theory of andragogy focuses …show more content…
Kolb’s model is derived from a cycle of four basic parts: Concrete Experience, Observation & Reflection, Formation of Abstract Concepts and Generalizations, and Testing of Implications of Concepts in New Situations (Kolb, 1981). My experience with a similar model used at my workplace called the STAR Concept (stop, think, act, review) has allowed me to use a questioning attitude based on my experience to help learn and stay safe. This practice is not specifically based on classroom education but rather from drawing on real world knowledge and experience similar to Kolb’s experiential learning. Conclusion
Through researching this paper I now have a new knowledge of the differences in adult learning versus child learning. In learning Knowles’ and Kolb’s theories and models discussed, I will also have more confidence to understand that as an adult I am well equipped to learn. If I take the time to reflect upon the material I am learning in relationship to the experience I have, this will help me to develop a better need to know and more applicable
This paper will address adult learning in relationship to Malcolm Knowles’ adult learning theory and David Kolb’s experiential learning theory. The ideas addressed will also show how this knowledge can help me to learn more efficiently in the future.
To begin discussing adult learning I would like to first look at the teaching of children. The term pedagogy means the art and science of teaching children (Knowles, 1970). Pedagogy is based on a classroom, curriculum, and testing model; this style is the traditional style of child education and is based on the child being an empty vessel dependent on being filled with knowledge from others.
Opposite pedagogy is the term andragogy, which means the art and science of teaching adults. Malcolm Knowles’ theory of andragogy focuses …show more content…
Kolb’s model is derived from a cycle of four basic parts: Concrete Experience, Observation & Reflection, Formation of Abstract Concepts and Generalizations, and Testing of Implications of Concepts in New Situations (Kolb, 1981). My experience with a similar model used at my workplace called the STAR Concept (stop, think, act, review) has allowed me to use a questioning attitude based on my experience to help learn and stay safe. This practice is not specifically based on classroom education but rather from drawing on real world knowledge and experience similar to Kolb’s experiential learning. Conclusion
Through researching this paper I now have a new knowledge of the differences in adult learning versus child learning. In learning Knowles’ and Kolb’s theories and models discussed, I will also have more confidence to understand that as an adult I am well equipped to learn. If I take the time to reflect upon the material I am learning in relationship to the experience I have, this will help me to develop a better need to know and more applicable