Course Description
This course will examine adult learning theories as well as the characteristics of diverse adult learners and various instructional strategies aimed at maximizing adult learning experiences. In this course, students will examine the research that has informed adult learning theory as they learn about the theorists and how to apply theory into practice. Students will reflect on their own learning and have opportunities to examine, critique, and create adult learning experiences. (3 credits)
Recommended Prerequisite
- ECE 250: Administration and Supervision of Early Childhood
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Connect prior knowledge of pedagogy to differentiate between andragogy and pedagogy.
- Explain adult learning theory and its influences on planning learning experiences for adult learners.
- Identify, examine, and evaluate effective adult learning strategies and techniques based on characteristics of diverse adult learners and recommended practices from the field.
- Discuss the influences of brain function, motivation, and engagement as they relate to the teaching and learning of adult learners.
- Critique teaching strategies/adult training and coaching plans using research and theory.
- Identify and develop appropriate approaches to support adult learners.
- Apply adult learning theory in the design of adult learning experiences.
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussions (Weeks 1-7) | 20% |
Wiki (Weeks 1, 4,7 & 8) | 10% |
Blog (Weeks 2, 3, 5 & 8) | 10% |
Theory Quiz (Week 2) | 5% |
Choice of: Grow’s Model for Self-Directed Learning Plan OR Wlodkowski’s Summary of Motivational Strategies Analysis (Week 4) | 15% |
Critique of Learning Plans (Week 5) | 10% |
Presenter/Participant Character Study (Week 6) | 15% |
Planning with the Adult Learner in Mind (Week 8) | 15% |
Total | 100% |
Required Texts
Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle
- Merriam, Sharan B., & Bierema, Laura L. (2014). Adult Learning: Linking Theory and Practice. San Francisco, CA. Josey-Bass. ISBN-13: 978-1-118-13057-5
- Derbiszewska, Kasia M. & Tucker-Smith, T. Nicole. (2020). Super Charge Your Professional Learning: 40 Concrete Strategies that Improve Adult Learning. Wakefield, MA. Cast Professional Publishing. ISBN-13: 978-1-930583-74-0
Course Schedule
| Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1,7 | Topic: The Adult Learner in Today’s World and Adult Learning, The Environment: setting the Stage for Adult Learning, Theories: Constructivism, Social Cognitive Theory, Cognitivism, Behaviorism, Humanism Book Readings:
Article Readings Web-Based Articles:
Video: |
|
2 | 1,7 | Topic: Adult Learning Theories: Knowles, Andragogy v. Pedagogy, Mental Models Book Readings:
Article Readings Document:
Web-based articles:
Video:
|
|
3 | 6,7 | Topic: Knowing Your Audience: Characteristics of Adult Learners: Self-Directed Learning, Transformational Learning, Motivation, Growth Mindset Book Readings
Article Readings Document:
Web-based articles:
Video:
|
|
4 | 3,5,6 | Topic: Characteristics of Adult Learners: Experiential Learning, Learning Styles, Cognitive Load and Memory & The Brain Book Readings
Article Readings Documents:
Web-based articles:
Videos:
Podcast
|
|
5 | 4 | Topic: Building Intentional Instructional Learning Design: Icebreakers, Groupings, Engagement Strategies, Metaphors/Analogies Book Readings
Article Readings Document:
Web-based articles:
Videos:
|
|
6 | 2,3,5,6 | Topic: Instructional Learning Design: Questioning, Feedback, Assessment, Active Learning, Building reflective skills and effective habits Book Readings
Article Readings Web-based articles:
Videos:
Podcast CHOOSE 1 of the FOLLOWING Podcast: Asking Great Questions- OR Podcast: Learning Power of Podcast Questions- |
|
7 | 7 | Topic: Influences on Adult Learning: Adult learning in the digital age, Impact of Coaching, ethics Book Readings
Article Readings Web-based articles:
Videos:
Foundations of Coaching in Early Childhood OR A Principal’s Guide to Coaching Teachers
|
|
8 | 2,5,6,7 | Topic: Influences on Adult Learning: Culture & Critical perspective Book Readings
Article Readings Web-based article:
Podcast
|
|
COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.