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This online article talks about many general characteristics of an adult learner. Some of the main points mentioned are that adults are self-directed and like to reach goals. Also, adult learners have accumulated a great deal of knowledge from a lifetime of experiences. Adult learners like to have a purpose and like to know what the final outcome of their learning is all about or to see what the “big picture” is all about. Also, mentioned was that adults want results and may withdrawal from learning if results are not achieved to their expectations. I thought these were the main motivational points to take from this article about the adult learner. I do not teach in a traditional classroom, but I have taught many adults and I do agree that adults carry a great deal of knowledge with them. Also, I could see how adults would want to see a purpose to the learning as many adults do not want to waste their time learning something that they would not use. I often feel this way when I engage in learning a new topic and I could see how many adults may withdrawal from learning if they are not aware of the final outcome. Adults are by nature are more independent than younger students and I could see how adult learners would want to direct their own learning. For example, I have done self-directed learning on my favorite hobbies by participating in online blogs to learn more information from others about these activities.
Source: Malamed, C. (n.d.), Characteristics of Adult Learners, retrieved Jun 27, 2011 from http://theelearningcoach.com/learning/characteristics-of-adult-learners/
The description that you provided above clearly describes me as an adult learner. I do not think it would be possible to be successful in an online program without being goal oriented and having a purpose for the learning.
ReplyDeleteIn addition to this environment as an adult learner I want to see, how is this going to benefit me in the long run. If I am sitting in a staff development class that is not relevant to what I teach or who I teach. I lose interest, but like you stated if we want to learn it we go out and find the tools to learn it, unlike a majority of our younger counterparts.
I try to provide my students with resources and guidance, so that hopefully they will become successful teenage and adult learners.