1. Misconceptions of Adult Learning and Application
Synthesis
By: Lauren Gelati
EDU 643
Post University
Final Project

2. Misconceptions in Adult
Learning
All teaching methods work the same on both the traditional student and the adult learner. Adult learners learn the same as the younger generation.
Adults require less support then the younger learner when obtaining an education.
Being an adult learner means you have to be working a full time job and raising a family in order to qualify.
Adults all view the world in a similar manner and their opinions don’t change.

3. Theories in Adult Learning
Andragogy
Self- Directed Learning
Worldviews
Intelligence

4. Andragogy
Andragogy can be defined as the method of teaching students that are considered “adult learners,” and this definition came to be by assumptions about the adult learner” (Merriam, Sharan B., Baumgartner, Lisa, Caffarella, Rosemary S, 2007).
“Andragogy makes the following assumptions about the design of learning: (1) Adults need to know why they need to learn something (2) Adults need to learn experientially, (3) Adults approach learning as problem-solving, and (4) Adults learn best when the topic is of immediate value” (Culatta, 2015).

5. Knowles 4 Main Principles
In Adult Learning
1.)As they mature, self-concept moves away from dependency to self-directing.
2.)Adult keep their experience in the back of their mind for better learning resources.
3.)Readiness: wants to learn based on social role.
4.)Maturity takes time, once they are there they center themselves on problem solving and critical based learning.

6. Self Directed Learning
“In its broadest meaning, ’self-directed learning’ describes a process by which individuals take the initiative, with our without the assistance of others, in diagnosing their learning needs, formulating learning goals, identify human and material resources for learning, choosing and implement appropriate learning strategies, and evaluating learning outcomes” (M. Knowles, Principles of Androgogy, 1972) (Corporate Training Partners, & Sheffield Marketing, 2009).

8. Intelligence & Worldwide
Views
Many tend to view intelligence as “…a specific measurement of their ability to learn” (Merriam, Baumgartner, and Caffarella, 2007, p. 359).
Intelligence and a person’s worldwide views can be based on
Cultural Beliefs
Religious Beliefs
Race/ Ethnicity
Gender
Educational Background
Real Life Experiences

9. Misconception 1 & The Learning Theories Applied
Misconception: All teaching methods work the same on both the traditional student and the adult learner. Adult learners learn the same as the younger generation.
Learning Theories That Can Be Applied: Andragogy, Self-Directed Learning, Intelligence

10. The Learning Theories Applied
Misconception 2 &
The Learning Theories Applied
Misconception 2 : Adults require less support then the younger learner when obtaining an education.
Learning Theories Applied: Self- Directed Learning, Intelligence, and Andragogy

11. The Learning Theories Applied
Misconception 3 &
The Learning Theories Applied
Misconception: Being an adult learner means you have to be working a full time job and raising a family in order to qualify.
Learning Theories Applied: Self- Directed Learning, Intelligence

12. The Learning Theories Applied
Misconception 4 &
The Learning Theories Applied
Misconception: Adults all view the world in a similar manner and their opinions don’t change.
Learning Theories Applied: Intelligence, worldviews and Andragogy

13. References
Culatta, R. (2015). Andragogy (Malcolm Knowles). Retrieved from
Knowles, M.S (1980). The modern practice of adult education: From pedagogy to andragogy (2nd ed.) New York: Cambridge Books.
Knowles, M.S. (1984). The adult learner: A neglected species (3rd ed.) Houston: Gulf
Merriam, S. B., Baumgartner, L., & Caffarella, R. S. (2007). Learning in Adulthood : A Comprehensive Guide. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.