Upper Iowa University Upper Iowa University “ Teaching the Adult Learner: Face to Face and Online Teaching ”

Upper Iowa University Upper Iowa University Welcome Major Concepts Presented for the Training Session 1.Andragogy : Adult Learning Theory 2.Generational Learning Styles 3.Working with the Military Student/ Veterans 4.Teaching Situations - what would you do? The Outline for the upcoming Programs Final Comments

Upper Iowa University Upper Iowa University Adult Learning Theory: Malcom Knowles Malcolm Shepherd Knowles (1913 – 1997) was an American educator well known for the use of the term andragogy as synonymous to adult education. According to Malcolm Knowles, andragogy is the art and science of adult learning, thus andragogy refers to any form of adult learning. (Kearsley, 2010). Andragogy vs. Pedagogy What is the difference? How does this correlate to the classroom?

Upper Iowa University Upper Iowa University Knowles’ 5 Assumptions Of Adult Learners In 1980, Knowles made 5 assumptions about the characteristics of adult learners (andragogy) that are different from the assumptions about child learners (pedagogy). Self-concept As a person matures their self concept moves from one of being a dependent personality toward one of being a self-directed human being. The orientation toward learning shifts from one of subject- centeredness to one of problem centeredness.

Upper Iowa University Upper Iowa University Adult Learner Experience As a person matures, they accumulate a growing reservoir of experience evolving to learning resources. Readiness to Learn As a person matures, their readiness to learn becomes oriented increasingly to the developmental tasks of their social roles. Orientation to Learning As a person matures, time perspective changes from postponed application of knowledge to immediacy of application; shifting from subject- centeredness to one of problem centeredness. Motivation to Learn As a person matures the motivation to learn is internal.

Upper Iowa University Upper Iowa University Four Principles in Working with Adult Learners: Applying Andragogy to the Classroom Adults need to be involved in the planning and evaluation of their instruction. Experience (including mistakes) provides the basis for the learning activities. Adults are most interested in learning subjects that have immediate relevance and impact to their job or personal life. Adult learning is problem-centered rather than content-oriented. (Kearsley, 2010)

Upper Iowa University Upper Iowa University Two mistakes I have made in teaching / working with adult learners 1.Making Assumptions about their computer skills and access 2. Using the Phrase “ real world experience ’’ for their individual life situation Let’s discuss this more…… next slide. Who is in your classroom?

Upper Iowa University Upper Iowa University Generational Differences for the Adult Learner How do they Learn? What does this mean for your classroom? Baby Boomers: Generation X: Generation Y :

Upper Iowa University Upper Iowa University Generational Differences for the Adult Learner How do they Learn? Baby Boomers: Grew-up before computers No assumptions as to level of comfort Top value is relationship building Respecter of experience

Upper Iowa University Upper Iowa University Generational Differences for the Adult Learner How do they Learn? Generation X: First latchkey kids Experienced technology revolution Experienced job loss and economic downturn Change (many levels) has been key in their lives

Upper Iowa University Upper Iowa University Generational Differences for the Adult Learner How do they Learn? Millennials/Gen Y: Always technology connected/ very savvy May have no patience with others not computer savvy Big user of Social Media Plug and Play - not into reading - instant gratification Multitasking with technology

Upper Iowa University Upper Iowa University The Military Student/ Veteran - Some tips and concepts for online and face to face 1.Every student is different - every situation is different 2.Ask the student if they are comfortable in having their military status discussed (F2F and online) 3.In a face to face teaching situation, please remember some military/veteran students might be sensitive to: brief cases or back packs on the faculty front desk, the use of colored lasers as pointers, and they may choose to sit in the back of the room

Upper Iowa University Upper Iowa University Discussion of Andragogy in the classroom How could one teach the following situations? 1.A basic accounting class project of creating a detailed budget to a class made up of adults who have always worked in the home? 2. Reading Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn - requiring a 10 page paper on relevance/comparison to your life? 3. Sociology 301- Family Dynamics. The class is expected to write an analysis of their family (following the outline presented in the book) during the course of the term. Your students are incarcerated. What would you do?

Upper Iowa University Upper Iowa University Research Articles on Andragogy and Adult Learning 1.Smith, M. K. (2002) ‘Malcolm Knowles, informal adult education, self-direction and andragogy’, the encyclopedia of informal education, Effective Adult Learning : A Toolkit for Teaching Adults. Design updated in Please send any comments or questions to the Northwest Center for Public Health Practice at the University of Washington School of Public Health. 4.Psychology of adult learners and generational differences 5. McCraw, Mary Anne and Martindale, Trey, instructing multi- generational students. University of Memphis,.

Upper Iowa University Upper Iowa University Thank you for your service to Upper Iowa University students - both online and face to face.