reaching out to adult learners

Reaching Out to Adult

Learners:

Incorporating the Principles of

Andragogy to eLearning

Presenter: Erica Ross

Criminal Justice Instructor and Public Services

Department Chair

Cleveland Community College

Session Objectives

• Define Andragogy

• Understand the core principles of

Andragogy

• Apply the principles of Andragogy

to an eLearning environment

Why do we care??

• Expected 20% increase in students age 25 and older by 2023

• Average community college student is 29

• Hybrid and online courses are becoming the norm and not the exception

(American Association of Community Colleges)

Online Learning

“Online learning is focused not only on the online

contexts, but also includes a full range of computer-

based learning platforms and delivery methods, genres,

formats and media such as multimedia, educational

programming, simulations, games and the use of new

media on fixed and mobile platforms across all

discipline areas.” (Keengwe & Kidd, 2010, p. 534)

Andragogy Defined

“the art and science of helping

adults learn in contrast to

pedagogy as the art and science

of teaching children”

(Knowles, 1990 p. 43).

Simply put…

• Adults learn differently than children

• They bring much more to the learning environment

than children

• They have different expectations for learning

• The barriers can be different for adult learners

The Principles of Andragogy

1. The need to know: Why, What, and How learning occurs

2. The learners’ self- concept: Autonomous and Self-directed

3. The role of the learners’ experiences: Resources and Mental model

4. Readiness to learn: Life- related and Developmental task

5. Orientation to learning: Problem- centered and Contextual

6. Motivation: Intrinsic value and Personal payoff

(Knowles, 1990)

Additional Principles

7. Goals and purposes for learning

8. Individual & and situational

differences

(Knowles, Holton, & Swanson, 2012)

Soooo…

How do we apply these principles

in an eLearning environment???

Learner Centered vs. Teacher Centered

Andragogy vs. Pedagogy

Create a learner- centered course

Discussion

What does a learner- centered course in an eLearning environment look like?

They Need to Know

• A learner- centered course:

• Clearly expresses this early in the course through

orientations

• Includes Orientations that outline the relevance and

purpose of the course content

• Includes clear objectives

• Assignments and tasks directly apply to objectives

• Quality Matters!!!

Self- Concept

• Allow students to explore various methods of learning

• Sometimes minimal instruction allows the adult learner to

explore on their own

• Projects

• Individualized study (internships, fieldtrips)

• Simulations

• Scenarios

• The use of games

Learner’s Experience

• Adult learners come from diverse backgrounds

• Design courses to appeal to various backgrounds

• Become familiar with students early to identify barriers

• Utilize various delivery methods

• Textbook

• PowerPoints

• Lecture notes

• Video and/or audio recordings

• Websites

• Web 2.0 tools

Readiness to Learn

• Incorporate social media or

opportunities for networking in group

settings

• Collaborate

• LinkedIn

• Google Plus

Orientation to Learning

• Create context centered assignments

• Adults need to know the information can be applied

for immediate use

• Use real world examples

• Scenarios

• Encourage students to provide examples

Motivation to Learn

• Provide valid reasons for every task

• Don’t engage in busy work

• Provide consistent feedback

• Seek feedback from students

• Adult learners need to know they are involved in the

process of learning

What 3 things have you

learned that you can take

back and apply to your

Hybrid and Online courses?

eLearning Tools

• Poll Everywhere

• Doodle (scheduling and polling)

• Softchalk Lessons

• Wikis

• Twitter

• Facebook

• Google Drive

• YouTube

• Blogs

• Camtasia

• Snag It

• Interactive Websites/Online lesson plans

1. Provide opportunities for interaction

2. Provide various methods of assessment

• Traditional tests

• Research or Application Papers

• Projects

• Discussions

• Activities outside the traditional learning environment

3. Provide consistent feedback

4. Seek feedback from students prior to course evaluations

Best Practices for Adult Learners

Basic Tips for the Adult Learner in

an eLearning Environment

• Create a learner- centered course

• Include clear objectives

• Utilize various delivery methods

• Include opportunities for self- exploration

• Use multiple methods of assessment

• Link all activities to real- world, contextual objectives

• Provide opportunities for collaboration

Any final questions?

Final Questions

Thank You!

Contact Information:

Erica Ross

Cleveland Community College

rosse@clevelandcc.edu

(704)669- 4038

References

American Association of Community Colleges. Retrieved from www.aacc.nche.edu

Keengwe, J. & Kidd, T. T. (2010). Towards Best Practices in Online Learning and Teaching in Higher Education. MERLOT Journal of Online Learning and Teaching. 6(2): 533- 541.

Knowles, M. (1990). The adult learner: A neglected species, 4th ed. Houston, TX: Gulf Publishing Co.

Knowles, M.S., Holton, E.F., & Swanson, R.A. (2012). The adult learner: The definitive classic in adult education and human resource development. New York, New York: Routledge