Monday, April 29, 2013

The Bottom Line in Adult Learning

Our class has explored the characteristics of adult learning using Malcolm Knowle's six attributes. They are the following: 1. Need to Know, 2. Self- Concept, 3. Experience, 4. Readiness to Learn, 5. Orientation to Learn and 6. Motivation to Learn.

When I look at the accumulated attributes, I think they can be summed up by looking at the multitude of Dummies books. This is the link to the website: Dummies Books. I like the analogy the books make to adult learning because each book focuses on exactly what the learner wants and needs to know about each subject. Within each book, there are specific chapters that explain portions of the subject needed. There is not a lot of extraneous material. to dig through. If you want to know the basics of a subject, you can get that by reading a book. Below is an image of the types of books the company offers.

The company has targeted adults with these books because adults need to know what they are learning and  they need to participate in the learning process. They also are motivated internally and they use the experience and knowledge they already have to help them learn. Adults want to learn a specific subject for a specific reason. For example, if they are going on a trip, they may want to learn the language in the country they are visiting. They will use the knowledge in a certain way.