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Proposed Topic:
For my dissertation topic, I plan to study how andragogy and adult learning
principles can be applied to secondary education. While pedagogy has been the
prevailing theory of teaching high school students for decades, there is a need
for more student-centered instruction and self-directed learning as students
progress. In his work on andragogy, Malcolm Knowles presented six assumptions of
the adult learner: need-to-know, self-concept, experience, readiness to learn,
orientation to learning, and motivation to learn (Knowles et al., 2015). These
guiding principles can be, and in many cases are already being, applied to
secondary students. Furthermore, Knowles suggested a set of eight “process
design steps” that produce effective teaching and learning (Caruth, 2014, p. 5).
These methods involve creating a trusting climate, involving students in
planning and evaluation, and facilitating opportunities for independent study.
References Caruth, G. (2014). Learning how to learn: A six point model for
increasing student engagement. Participatory Educational Research, 1(2), 1–12.
https://doi.org/10.17275/per.14.06.1.2 Knowles, M. S., Holton, E. F., & Swanson,
R. A. (2015). The Adult Learner: The definitive classic in adult education and
human resource development (8th ed.). Routledge.
Theoretical background:
Andragogy Learning in Adulthood
Connection to program:
My topic is directly related to the theory of andragogy and the adult learning
principles utilized throughout the Leadership Studies program at University of
the Cumberlands The topic is specifically related to the following course goals
in LEAC 731 - Learning in Adulthood: - Explain how the aging process impacts
learning and - Contrast pedagogical and andragogical assumptions. Furthermore,
by providing further research in teaching and learning, I will be fulfilling the
following goals from the PH.D. in Leadership Studies Program: - Help you improve
colleges and schools through better critical and reflective thinking - Assist
you to become more effective at the college, school district or unit level
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