reaching out to adult learners
TRANSCRIPT
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
• 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
• 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
(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