DOCUMENT RESUME ED 084 368 TITLE The Adult Learner: A ...

[Pages:211]DOCUMENT RESUME

ED 084 368

CE 000 509

AUTHOR TITLE INSTITUTION

PUB DATE NOTE AVAILABLE FROM

Knowles, Malcolm The Adult Learner: A Neglected Species. American Society for Training and Development, Madison, Wis. Apr 73 207p. Gulf Publishing Company, P.O. Box 2608, Houston, TX

77001 ($7.95)

EDRS PRICE DESCRIPTORS

MF-$0.65 HC Not Available from EDRS. *Adult Education; *Adult Learning; Behavior Patterns; *Human Resources; Individual Development; Learning Characteristics; Learning Experience; Learning Motivation; *Learning Theories; Manpower Development; Organizational Development; Teaching Models; *Teaching Techniques; Training

ABSTRACT

Traditional theories of learning and the teaching

practices resulting from them are reviewed. Most theories of adult

learning are based on research into the learning of children, which

in turn is founded upon theories of animal learning. These theories,

formulated under laboratory conditions, are artificial at best--and

not complex enough to apply to adult human beings. Emerging theories

of adult learning, however, are Lased on the unique characteristics

of adults as learners and result in differentiated educational

practices. Human resource development (BED) is based on many of these

newer theories and serves as a guideline for action. Knowles'

andragogical theory is based on four assumptions which differ from

those of pedagogy: (1) changes in self-concept, (2) the role of

experience, (3) readiness to learn, and (4) orientation to learning.

As a guideline for developing programs and for selecting and training

teachers, the andragogical model of HRD is very applicab?e. Among the

appendixes are "Is It Skinner or Nothing" and "An Approach to a

Differential Psychology of the Adult Potential." There is a

eleven-page bibliography. (MS)

the Adult)

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the Adult) Learnerg A

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Anyone involved in adult training or education needs this readable, scholarly book in his permanent reference library. The Adult Learner: A Neglected Species helps cut through the bewildering and often conflicting profusion of theories and research findings, interpretations, reinterpretations and an jses in the field of learning theory.

Pointing out that most adult learning theory is based on the theories of childlearning, which in turn are based on research into the learning of animals, Dr. Knowles suggests that adult human beings are a good deal more complex

than laboratory-bred white mice or

monkeys. He adds that the laboratory situations are at best artificial even for

the animals.

In this book he briefly reviews the traditional theories about learning and describes the teaching practices in traditional schooling that have resulted

from these studies.

Knowles goes on to describe in greater detail the emerging theories about adult learning based on the unique characteristics of adults as

Continued on hack flap

( (milmied (min fmni flap

learners. He then relates the differentiated educational practices that are flowing from these theories.

This book provides experienced trainers and educators with sound

theory to support what they have known

all alongthat adults must be treated differently from the way children and

youth have traditionally been treated in schooling.

New workers in the field will find

guidelines for developing programs and for selecting and training teachers which will result in greater cost/effectiveness in their work.

Another of the respected ASTD Building Blocks of Human Potential series edited by Dr. Leonard Nadler,

Learning Theory breaks new ground and coordinates the findings and often con-

flicting conclusions of learning

researchers from conservative to

revolutionary. This is a long-awaited reference book for every educator or manager, personnel director, human resources developer, high school or college instructor or counselor.

boo ',hike, deigned b,. Herman Woo

GULF PUBLISHING COMPANY

Box 2608

Houston, Texas 77001

Malcolm S. Knowles

Professor of education and general consultant in adult eaucation at Boston University School of Education, Malcolm S. Knowles has written several books

and articles on adult education,

leadership and group dynamics. He has

provided consultation and workshop leadership and direction for ovee 30 companies, organizations, institutions

and schools. He has also contributed to

two television series on training and

development.

6.1,,E1K,44[;14i01..rogfiwoal;

The Adult Learner:

A Neglected Specias

IIMIWIN,

This series of books is supported by the American Society for

itt

Training and Development as part of its continuing program to encourage publication in the field. Most of the authors are ac-

tive in ASTD and have contributed to its growth over the

years. The Publications Committee of ASTD is a continuing

link between the editor and the publisher and the membership

j of ASTD.

US DEPARTMENT Of HEALTH, EOUCATION A WELFARE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION

*HIS DOCLAPE NT HAS BEEN REPRO D,CE 0 EXACTLY LS RECEIVED FROM T.E PERSON OR ORGANIZATION ORIGIN AT.NG T POiN,S 0,- VIEW OR OPINIONS TATE? DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRE SENT 011 CA_ NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION POSITION OR POLICY

The Adult Learner:

A Neglected Species

Malcolm Knowles

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GULF PUBLISHING COMPANY

Book Publishing Division: Houston

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