Learning Research: Adult Learning Theory and Principles

The following research has been taken from Edward Thorndike's 'Laws of Learning' which can be found by following this link http://www.qotfc.edu.au/resource/index.html?page=65375

Adult Learning Principles

Laws of Learning:

1.   Readiness

2.   Exercise

3.   Effect

4.   Primacy

5.   Recency

6.   Intensity

7.   Freedom

8.   Requirement

Adult Learning Theory

Part of being an effective educator involves understanding how adults learn best. Andragogy (adult learning) is a theory that holds a set of assumptions about how adults learn. Andragogy emphasises the value of the process of learning. It uses approaches to learning that are problem-based and collaborative rather than didactic, and also emphasises more equality between the teacher and learner.

Andragogy as a study of adult learning originated in Europe in 1950's and was then pioneered as a theory and model of adult learning from the 1970's by Malcolm Knowles an American practitioner and theorist of adult education, who defined andragogy as "the art and science of helping adults learn".

The six principles of adult learning are outlined below:

• Adults are internally motivated and self-directed
• Adults bring life experiences and knowledge to learning experiences
• Adults are goal oriented
• Adults are relevancy oriented
• Adults are practical
• Adult learners like to be respected