Adult Learning Theories And Analysis

Throughout this assignment I will focus on how adult learning differs to child learning referencing to theory and reflecting on personal experiences whilst linking to learning inventories. Oxford Dictionary (2017), defines learning as the accusation of knowledge or skills through study, experience, or being taught. Which leads to change of behaviour due to the transformation in practice or experience. Learning is proceeded in many ways, being both informal and formal. Every individual will participate in learning yet will experience a different take on it, and this is made apparent in learning styles and techniques. Although individuals, both children and adults will continue to learn and develop throughout their life span, this will arise

Drawing on Aubrey and Riley’s (2016) ideas, Knowles began by considering self-concept, as an adult learner this should have already been reached, as they were dependant and self-directing in the way that they learnt. The role of experience comes next, he assumed that when the adult learner enters education they have a high amount of experience in both terms of quality and quantity, meaning that questioning becomes an essential resource for learning. He recognised his third assumption to be readiness to learn, as adults become ready to learn when they experience a need to know or do something to perform more effectively. Orientation for learning is where a profound difference can be seen in adult and child learning, the pedagogical model shows the learner being subject orientated whereas the adult learner focus is life centred, task centred or problem centred. After comes the internal motivation, Knowles however did identify this could be the result for a better salary or job prospect but therefore more potent motivators come in form of internal satisfaction. At a later date, the sixth assumption for adult learning was introduced this was the need to know, as he acknowledges adults in fact need to be aware of the value of learning and what it is they need to learn. Whitby (2017) drew on Knowles assumptions in relation to Pedagogy he stated in regard to self- concept the learner will be dependent upon the instructor for all learning and with this the teacher shall take full responsibility. When the child enters learning they will come with little experience and the experience of the instructor will be most influential. Next is the readiness the individual will have to learn, as a child learner they will be told what to do in order to advance them to the next level. In regard to