adult education week 2
Knowles (2015) posits that all learning theory can be subsumed into two models: elemental and holistic. According to the text, the elemental model characterizes the universe as discrete pieces that are in motion. When acted upon, these pieces function in a sequence, like a chain of events. The elemental model includes existing behavioral theories. Subsequently, the holistic model views the world as a whole and perceives that people are active organisms rather than reactive agents. The holistic model includes cognitive theories.
The elemental and holistic models are posited theories of learning that allow us to broadly group or subsume other theories. They help give us a way to think about how learning may occur from an overarching analysis. In doing this, it is important for us to take a scientific approach and critically evaluate existing theory.
To prepare:
Section A
- Review this week’s Learning Resources, focusing on the elemental and holistic models of learning and considering which may resonate with you most.
Briefly compare and contrast the elemental and holistic models of learning to demonstrate your understanding.
- Which resonates most with you and why?
- Share an example from your experience (as learner or teacher) in which the model you have selected was utilized.
- Explain how the strategy represents the model.
By Day 5
Respond to at least two colleagues. All response posts should contribute to the quality of discussion by engaging with at least two peers through constructive critique, suggestions, in-depth questions, use of scholarly and empirical resources, and stimulating thoughts and/or probes.
Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources. Use proper APA format and citations.
Section 2
To prepare:
- As you complete this week’s readings, select one criticism of Knowles’ Theory of Andragogy from the Merriam, Caffarella, and Baumgartner (2007) excerpt that you agree or disagree with and prepare to support your position with evidence from course readings.
- Describe the criticism you selected, and, using support from this week and the previous week’s readings, explain whether you agree or disagree.
- Next, select one of the alternative theories discussed in the chapter, and determine whether that theory addresses existing criticism of Knowles’ theory.
Resources
Knowles, M. S., Holton, E. F., III, & Swanson, R. A. (2015). The adult learner: The definitive classic in adult education and human resource development (8th ed.). Abingdon, OX: Routledge.
- Chapter 6, “Theories of Learningâ€
- Chapter 7, “Theories of Teachingâ€
Merriam, S. B., Caffarella, R. S., & Baumgartner, L. M. (2007). Learning in adulthood: A comprehensive guide (3rd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
- Chapter 4, “Knowles’s Andragogy, and Models of Adult Learning by McClusky, Illeris, and Jarvisâ€