Pogson and Tennant

Pogson and Tennant

Which do you think most closely explains "you" as an adult learner?

I do not actually fit into any one of the specific theories that Pogson and Tennant have offered. The theory regarding practical intelligence is an interesting one, but yet I have many of the traits of this type of learner without being illiterate, as many of these learners are. The IQ model is probably the closest model to me as an adult learner. Since my IQ is above average, I feel that my intelligence is what best helps me learn. I do have difficulties with some areas of learning, but that is to be expected. Almost everyone has difficulties with something in their learning experience. Some people struggle with math, while others are poor readers or their spelling is not as good as it should be. Maybe they struggled with science or with geography. None of these things imply that they are not intelligent. Instead, they indicate that they are people who work to learn things, just like everyone else.

When someone starts out on their learning journey as a young child, they are taught in a very structured way. There are only so many options when it comes to how they can learn something, and most of those options are designed for people who are 'normal' according to what society says. For children who are different - very smart, very adult, very shy, troubled at home, dyslexic, etc. - learning can be incredibly difficult. Intelligence is very important for the actual learning of the material, but it is sometimes a disadvantage to a person because he or she is trying to fit in with others, and it is not the easiest thing to do. I had that problem as a child, but I find that I do not have that problem as an adult learner because people are more accepting and because people who teach adults seem to understand that there are many differences in the way that people learn. Individuality is much more encouraged.

2. Is there one that definitely "does not" reflect your practical experience, as a learner?

The idea of a practical learner who is 'street smart' but not 'book smart' is not something that I have actually seen in practice in my learning environment. People who are illiterate or cannot learn the material often do not remain in school. There are certainly differences in intelligence levels when it comes to adult learners, and this is not surprising. However, enough understanding of the material has to be available. The theory of practical learning that Pogson and Tennant suggest seems to indicate that individuals who have no ability for book learning at all can take the material that they are given and relate it to practical experiences that they have had in their lives and therefore get through their education. While I cannot say that this is impossible, I find it very unlikely and can see many flaws in that argument as well as reasons why it would not actually succeed.

Practical experience is certainly important. Some people learn by doing much more easily than they learn by reading, hearing, or seeing someone else do something. These people can use what they have done in their lives to better understand what they will do in the classroom. This makes sense, and should not be discounted. However, if someone is illiterate and cannot read the material at all, doing well on tests and completely comprehending what is being discussed seems as though it would be an almost impossible task. It would certainly cause a lot of frustration and aggravation on the part of the student, and likely on the part of the teacher, as well. With this being the case, it seems unrealistic for Pogson and Tennant to indicate that adult learners who are not literate can get through education programs that are designed for literate individuals just based on their practical or life experience.

3. What reasons can you think of as to why it might not "fit" you?

This particular idea would not fit me for several reasons. First, it is not something that I have seen in my educational experience. Instead, I have seen individuals who have trouble with a particular subject get a tutor to help him or her get through that subject. I have also seen people drop out because they cannot understand or keep up with the subject matter that they are given. Some people have made it through with poor grades but managed to graduate. However, I have not yet seen an illiterate person go through an adult education program and do well in it based solely on his or her practical or life experience. These people should be applauded for wanting to do better and have a better life and get more education, but they often need a lot of help to get through their schooling. There is nothing wrong with getting this kind of help. My only argument with this particular theory is that I do not think the way that Pogson and Tennant present it is realistic for the real world.