Module Components

• Overview
• Assignment

Topics

• Developmental Stages of Learning
• Generational Learners
• Adult Learners
• What is Your Learning Style?
• Right vs. Left Brain
• Multiple Intelligence
• Assessing Learning Styles
• Motivation
• Cultural Differences

Nurs 787 - Theory Teaching and Learning

Module 2: Contexts of Learning and Learner Characteristics

Adult Learners

Malcolm Knowles is well known for his development of adult learning theories. He started as a YMCA director in 1946 and noticed that adult learners had certain needs. His term "andragogy" is known as the modern theory of adult learning. This term was first introduced in his 1970 paper "The Modern Practice of Adult Education: Andragogy vs Pedagogy". His theory is complex, but contain four main ideas:

(Source: http://www.e-learningguru.com/articles/art3_2.htm)

The schematic below summarizes some of the key considerations related to adult learners, and how they compare with child learners.