1.  Misconceptions in Adult Learning Danielle Scarmella Post University

3. Misconception: Ages  Misconception: Adult learns are a specific age, typically thirty or older.  Adult learners can be any age starting at age 18. Adult learners are in the higher education environment.  Andragogy supports learning.  “By comparison, andragogy is dedicated to teaching humans who perform socially productive roles and have assumed primary responsibility for their own lives” (Forrest & Peterson, 2006).

4. Misconception: Ages  Levinson’s Age-Graded Model  "The idea of the teachable moment is grounded in the concept of developmental tasks-- tasks that arise at a certain period in a person's life, such as selecting a mate, starting a family, and getting started in an occupation" (Meriam, Caffarella, & Baumgartner, 2007, pg.308).  Levinson’s Age-Graded Model allows for people to see what life events the adult learners are going through.  Teachable at all ages.

5. Misconception: Independent Work  Misconception: Adult learners do not do well with independent work; they do not do well with self-direction.  Adults prefer self-directed work and independent work.  Works better with schedule  Supports prior experience based learning  Can be done at home or in the classroom

6. Misconception: One Specific Type of Learning Style  Misconception: Adult learners is that adult learners will have a hard time learning, or they are restricted to one type of learning.  Adult learners have the ability to adapt to other styles as well as broaden their styles.  Learning styles have a lot to do with upbringing, cultures, and worldviews.

7. Misconception: One Specific Type of Learning Style  Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Theory  No one learner is the same  Different intelligence like auditory and visual  A person can be just one, or a combination of many  This is why it is important for educators to be aware and try to be inclusive in their teaching styles and strategies.

8. Conclusion  Adult learners are very unique.  Life experiences make it helpful to others to learn about the topic  The world can learn a lot from adult learners.

9. References  Chan, S. (2010). Applications of Andragogy in Multi-Disciplined Teaching and Learning. Journal Of Adult Education, 39 (2), 25-35.  Harris, S. (2003). An andragogical model: learning through life experiences. Retrieved from https://post.blackboard.com/bbcswebdav/courses/EDU643.901241031757/Documents/Unit 3 Program in Practice.pdfhttps://post.blackboard.com/bbcswebdav/courses/EDU643.901241031757/Documents/Unit 3 Program in Practice.pdf  Forrest III, S., & Peterson, T. (2006). It's Called Andragogy. Academy Of Management Learning & Education, 5 (1), 113-122. doi:10.5465/AMLE.2006.20388390  Merriam, S.B., Caffarella, R.S., & Baumgartner, L.M. (2007). Learning in adulthood: A comprehensive guide, 3rd Edition. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.  Smith, T. (2014). Self-Directed Learning. Self-Directed Learning -- Research Starters Education, 1.  Shearer, C., & Luzzo, D. (2009). Exploring the Application of Multiple Intelligences Theory to Career Counseling. Career Development Quarterly, 58 (1), 3-13.