Adult Learners

Frances BozarthMichael Dellerba

Kathy MaloneTracy Sherrell

Agenda

Purpose: To develop an awareness of adult learning principles

Brain Dump Share Seven Adult Learning

Principles with application activities Transformative Learning Power write reflection

1. Learning is collaborative.

Select own seating Comfortable arrangements Walk and Talks Group Warm-ups and Review Brain Dump

2. Link past to present

Constructivist Question assumptions Examining patterns Big picture view Summarizing Nine Square Activity

3. Emotions & Stress can impact learning.

Safe environment = higher order thinking/creativity

Fight & Flight Response Music, breathing exercises, personal

connections, and movement

4. Conscious and Unconscious Processing Frequent breaks Learning aids : posters, maps and diagrams Brain breaks every 20 - 30 minutes using

strategies from principle 3 Process using different modalities

24-48-72 Review sessions Games, flash cards, teach a peer, etc.

Reflections: Quick write on first 4 principles

5. Multiple memory pathways

Implicit memory Explicit memory 24-48-72 Review RSQC KWHL

6. Adult brain is unique

Never stops learning Not all alike Neural pathways are created every

time we challenge our minds. Natural Learning Strengths

Auditory, visual, kinesthetic

7. Healthy Lifestyle

Promotes mental sharpness Role modeling Daily Routines Stand up Sit Down

Activity

Transformative Learning

“Becoming aware of one’s own tacit assumptions and expectations and those of others and assessing their

relevance for making an interpretation (Mezirow, 2000, p.4).”

Provides a structure and process through which to better understand adult

growth and development.

Transformative Learning

Often follows some variation of the following phases of meaning: Disorienting Dilemma – loss of job, divorce, marriage, back to

school, or moving to a new culture Self-examination with feelings of fear, anger, guilt, or shame A critical assessment of assumptions Recognition that one’s discontent and transformation are

related Exploration of options for new roles, relationships and actions Planning a course of action Acquiring knowledge and skills for implementing one’s plans Trying on new roles Building competence and self-confidence in new roles and

relationships A reintegration into one’s life on the basis of conditions dictated

by one’s new perspective (Mezirow, 2000, p.22)

Transformative Learning

Critical to teachers helping effect transformative learning in adults,“A safe and supportive system of teachers and other significant people may greatly facilitate the student’s willingness to move forward with transformative learning.”

Transformative Learning

Wrap-Up 1 minute power write

Identify a piece of valuable information you learned and describe how you can

apply it in your profession.