Foundational Theories of Adult Learning

 Earliest research of adult learning

- Behavioral psychology (Learning was seen as a change in observable behavior)
 Mid-twentieth century of adult learning
- Humanistic psychology (Learning focus on personal growth and development)
- Three major “foundational theories of adult learning that emerged during this
time. (andragogy, self-directed learning and transformative learning)
 Andragogy (Malcolm Knowles, 1960)
- Definition: The art and science of adult learning
- Assumption about adult learners:
1. Self-directed
2. Accumulated a growing reservoir of experience
3. Readiness to learn
4. Problem centered in learning (learn then apply it in their life)
5. Motivation
6. Need to know the reason for learning
 Self-directed learning (D. Randy Garrison)
- Definition: A process where an individual takes his/her own initiative to learn new
skills or knowledge, implement learning plan and assess own product from
learning.
- The learner taking control of her or his own learning
- The leaner decided how, what and where they learn
 Transformative learning (Jack Mezirow)
- Definition: Focus on the cognitive process of meaning making
- Dependent on adult life experiences
- Learning in adulthood is often more than just adding information. It also related
on their experience which can change their belief, attitude or perspective
- The perspective transformation is called as transformative learning
- Mezirow’s then-step transformative learning
1. Disorienting dilemma
2. A self-examination with feelings of guilt or shame
3. A critical assessment of epistemic, sociocultural, or psychic assumptions
4. Recognition that one’s discontent and the process of transformation are
shared and that others have negotiated a similar change
5. Exploration of options for new roles, relationships, and actions
6. Planning a course of action
7. Acquisition of knowledge and skills for implementing one’s plan
8. Provision trying of new roles
9. Building of competence and self-confidence in new roles and relationships
10. A reintegration into one’s life on the basis of conditions dictated by one’s
perspective