learning 5

Constructivism and Self-Directed Learning in Adult learners

APA format 4 pages

Analyzes current theories and research regarding adult learners, and identifies areas that the theories and research does not look at regarding adult learners. 

Justifies that an adult learning topic is important to educational psychology and to the study of the adult learner, and identifies the cons of the adult learning topic. 

What theoretical and research evidence is there that the topic of your course project (Constructivism and Self-Directed Learning in Adult learners ) is of importance to the field of educational psychology and, specifically, to adult learners in the classroom?

I. Theory and Research Related to Topic

A. Andragogy is the study of adult learning. The key difference between pedagogy and andragogy learning are the experiences adult learners have that traditional or younger learners have not experienced yet (Mukhalalati & Taylor, 2019).

B. Constructivism is where learners actively construct new knowledge based on prior knowledge (Huang, 2002).

· Brought up by Vygotsky/Piaget movement

· Huang (2002) found that unmotivated learners cannot perceive concepts; instead, those who found a connection to the material were able to use critical thinking skills.

· Huang (2002) found that through constructivism, there was an emphasis on how learners develop real-life problem-solving skills.

· Paleeri (2015) found a connection between Constructivism and Bloom's Taxonomy.

· Through the development of critical thinking skills and connection to material learners (traditional or adult), they were able to access higher-level thinking, which would allow the higher levels of Bloom's Taxonomy.

C. Self-Directed Learning (SDL)

· SDL is the process in which adult learners take the initiative to carry-out and evaluate their learning (Knowles, 1975).

· Merriam and Bierema (2013) found Knowles's definition to be accurate as adult learners need to have the responsibility to control what and how they learn information.

· Curran, Gustafson, Simmons …(2019) researched just how SDL works with the technological advancements.

· They found that through the evolution of technology and adult education expanding to the digital world, SDL is becoming an essential aspect of their education.

· One area which this learner found to be inconclusive for SDL is how one can go about fostering adult learners to become self-directed learners.

· If instructors do not give the learners the tools to foster SDL, it will become harder for them (Charungkaittikul & Henschke, 2018).