Integrating Learning Theories With Personal Philosophy

Integrating Learing Theories

Integrating Learning Theories

In adult education, there are number of theories utilized to influence the tools educators are using to connect with students. To fully understand them requires looking at the different ones. This will be accomplished by focusing on simulating the ideal teaching philosophy, current research in adult theory, comparing / contrasting them and analyzing those which integrate with our personal teaching philosophy. Together, these elements will highlight the best techniques for reaching out to adult learners.

Simulate the ideal teaching philosophy

The ideal teaching philosophy is one that connects to individuals using their unique learning styles and has a way of reinforcing them. This involves having a combination of active classroom discussion, group work and hands on training. During this process, they will utilize technology to enhance their understanding of key concepts and focus on meeting important objectives in the course. When this happens, the individual is able to comprehend key ideas and can begin applying them as a part of their basic strategy for connecting them with their long-term memory. It is at this point, when they will be more effective in utilizing them on their own. This enhances their long-term recall based upon the different techniques to introduce and enforce them. Once this takes place, these ideas will become a part of their basic philosophy about looking at the world around them and understanding how specific factors are influencing each student. (Jacobs, 2010)

Describe current research in adult learning

There is a variety of research illustrating how adults learn differently in contrast with traditional students. According to Ross (2011), they are more than likely working full time, have family responsibilities and they require greater amounts of flexibility for attendance. At the same time, they will use options such as online courses, independent study and will go to night school. The basic idea is they want more choices in determining how and when they will achieve their educational goals. (Ross, 2011)

Moreover, Robert (2013) found that each adult student will learn based upon their experiences, customs, cultural traditions and beliefs. This means that they will understand the material utilizing a variety of formats. The combination of these factors will influence how they see themselves and the lasting impact of everyone on them. For educators, this means that different tools and tactics must be utilized to connect with them. (Robert, 2013)

Compare and contrast individual adult learning theories.

There are a number of theories which are used to reach out to adult learners. The most notable include: multiple intelligences / learning styles, multicultural techniques, experiential learning and the transformational philosophy. The multiple intelligence theory is concentrating on different learning styles to reach out to students vs. focusing on a single approach. Multicultural techniques are using strategies which are taking into account the student's traditions and backgrounds. Experiential learning is looking at the student's pervious experiences and they are using them to connect with the individual. Transformational techniques are examining the psychology, changes in the person's beliefs and shifts in their lifestyle. Each one is carefully examining specific factors and their influence on the individual using their experiences, multiple approaches, their culture and beliefs / lifestyle. They are similar by taking focus that concentrates on utilizing numerous perspectives. Yet, they are different with each one looking at specific areas and the impact it is having on them. (Rothwell, 2008)

Analyze theories which most align with your personal teaching philosophy.