Adult Learning Theories PDF

This chapter will focus more onto adult learning theories, including - Andragogy (which emphasizes self-directed learning and practical application) - Experiential Learning (focused on learning through experience) - Transformative Learning (which encourages reflection and personal g...

This chapter will focus more onto adult learning theories, including - Andragogy (which emphasizes self-directed learning and practical application) - Experiential Learning (focused on learning through experience) - Transformative Learning (which encourages reflection and personal growth) - Connectivism which is a modern learning theory. Understanding these theories helps managers and HR professionals design training that respects adults\' need for autonomy, relevance, and immediate applicability. **2.1 Behaviorism** Human learning and habit formation are the main topics of behaviorist theory. This theory is based on the idea that our behavior is learned as a result of interaction with our external environment. Interaction with our external environment can include an interaction with a certain person, a certain object, or with certain surroundings. John B. Watson established behaviorism in 1913, a school of psychology that maintains behavior must be treated as a separate field of study. They think that environmental reinforcement or rewards influence human behavior. Therefore, behavioral responses to stimuli are closely related in the learning process (Watson and Kimble, 2017). Behaviorism presents two main types of conditioning theories a. Classical Conditioning Theory (stimulus response theory) by Pavlov b. Operant Conditioning Theory **Classical Conditioning Theory (stimulus response theory) by Pavlov** Pavlov believed that individual learn by association. For example, in a workplace, an employee receives praise (stimulus) for meeting deadlines (response), reinforcing the behavior and motivating them to continue performing well in the future (Henton and Iversen ,1978). *Classical conditioning: when a dog learns to get excited when we walk towards the bag of dog food because the dog has learned that it would mean they get to eat right away.* **b) Operant Conditioning Theory** Operant conditioning/reinforcement theory was developed by B.F Skinner. He argued that learning occurs as a result of positive and or negative reinforcement. And claimed that this reinforcement could strengthen the behavior of people. For example, awarding for the best performing employee, giving sales bonuses for achieving the target, recognition for doing incredible work will enhance the employee motivation to continue the good work. On the other hand, deducting from salary for late comers will motivate him/her to present the work on time in future. Negative reinforcement is not a punishment, punishment will weaken employee determination and increase the work stress. (Henton and Iversen ,1978). *Operant conditioning: when a trainer successfully teaches a dog how to sit on command with the help of [**incentives**](https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/incentivization), such as a treat every time they do it correctly.* Reinforcement and punishment both can be positive or negative. Let's take a quick look at each. - Positive reinforcement. To encourage a behavior, something is added. For example, you earn a gift for doing to home work. - Negative reinforcement. To encourage a behavior, something is taken away. For example, you are allowed to play if you put back the toys when finished. - Positive punishment. To discourage a behavior, something is added. For example, you get extra chores when you come home late for dinner. - Negative punishment. To discourage a behavior, something is taken away. For example, your parents confiscate your phone when eating. **2.2 Cognitivism** The mind, body, and spirit are all involved in the holistic process of learning. According to cognitive theorists, people are capable of learning and thinking, storing this knowledge, and then applying it to particular circumstances. (Armstrong and Taylor ,2020). Cognitivism concentrates on how a person\'s mind receives, organizes, saves and retrieves information. This theory believes that the human mind functions like an information processor or computer. Therefore, the cognitivist approach looks beyond noticeable behaviors, considering learning as an internal mental process. Two cognitive learning theories are a. **Piaget's Stages of Cognitive Development** a. **Information Processing Model** a. **Piaget's Stages of Cognitive Development** Piaget described four stages of intellectual development that occur in childhood. These four stages explain how a child learns about the world and processes information. - [**Sensorimotor stage**](https://www.verywellmind.com/sensorimotor-stage-of-cognitive-development-2795462): During this period of cognitive development, children learn about the world primarily through their senses. - [**Preoperational stage**](https://www.verywellmind.com/preoperational-stage-of-cognitive-development-2795461): This stage is marked by the emergence of language and learning through pretend play. - [**Concrete operations stage**](https://www.verywellmind.com/concrete-operational-stage-of-cognitive-development-2795458): During this period, kids begin to utilize logic but still think about the world very concretely. - [**Formal operations stage**](https://www.verywellmind.com/formal-operational-stage-of-cognitive-development-2795459): At this point, kids begin to use deductive reasoning and can understand abstract, hypothetical ideas. **b) Information Processing Model** The Information Processing Model, proposed by Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968), likens the human mind to a computer, explaining how information is encoded, stored, and retrieved. Key Focus of this model is Understanding how individuals process, retain, and recall information effectively. **The Information Processing Model consists of:** a\) Sensory Memory: Briefly registers incoming information. b\) Short-Term Memory: Actively processes and holds information temporarily. c\) Long-Term Memory: Stores information for extended future retrieval. This model is ideal for educational settings and training programs where sequential learning and reinforcement are needed, such as skill acquisition or memorization-based tasks. For example, in a photocopy shop, employees learn to operate the machines through a step-by-step training module. They encode instructions, practice each function, and retrieve this information when handling customer requests efficiently (Rusconi, 2023). **2.3 Constructivism** Learners to acquire their knowledge through experiences, and promotes cooperation and involvement in the educational process (Dewey, 2019). Lev Vygotsky developed up with this theory by proposing that learners develop their own understanding and expertise by actively interacting with the material and having experiences that are similar to real-life situations, then thinking back on those experiences (Ketkin, 2023). - Social Constructivism Theory - Bruner\'s Learning Theory - Kolb's Experiential Learning Cycle - Adult Learning (Andragogy) - Transformative Learning theory - - - - **Adult Learning (Andragogy)** Let's apply this theory to a business scenario. For instance, in a law firm, Adult Learning Theory can be applied to train lawyers on new legal software for case management. Lawyers, being experienced professionals, prefer self-directed learning, so the firm provides online tutorials and webinars that allow them to learn at their own pace. The training is relevant and practical, focusing on how the software can enhance case organization and client communication. Lawyers' prior experience with legal procedures is integrated by using real-life case scenarios to demonstrate how the software can improve their workflow. To ensure continued motivation, the firm highlights how mastering the software will increase efficiency, reduce errors, and improve client satisfaction, all directly impacting their practice\'s success. Adapting Adult Learning Theory in the above scenario provides benefits such as self-directed learning, relevant training, and leveraging prior experience, making it effective for busy lawyers. However, challenges include time constraints that limit training completion, technological barriers for those unfamiliar with digital tools, and resistance to change, which could slow the adoption of new systems and hinder the training\'s success. **Key principles of this theory include:** ✓ **Critical reflection:** Adults reassess their assumptions and beliefs through reflection. ✓ **Experience of disorienting dilemmas:** Learning often begins with an experience that challenges an existing belief or understanding. ✓ **Perspective transformation:** Through questioning and analysis, adults shift their worldview, leading to personal growth and behavior change. For example, in a healthcare setting, a nurse undergoes transformative learning when she attends a workshop on cultural competence. Initially, she holds stereotypical views about certain patient groups. Through reflective exercises and discussions, she challenges these beliefs, reevaluates her approach to patient care, and adopts a more empathetic and culturally sensitive practice. This shift in perspective improves her interactions with diverse patients and enhances her professional growth. Transformative Learning Theory promotes deep personal growth, critical thinking, and empathy by challenging assumptions and encouraging reflection. However, it can be emotionally uncomfortable, time-consuming, and met with resistance, making it difficult for some individuals to fully embrace the process.