Adult Learner Stereotypes based on Knowles assumptions

Independent Self Concept

Image retrieved on February 16/2012 from: Tim Walshhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/34275729@N05/3219747721/

Stereotypical pictures of adult learners to me would include, older mature adults looking to further themselves but also people who have not graduated from high school working on taking their GED. I did not find any negative stereotypical pictures but a broad range of positive images follow.In this first example, I feel that these people are experiencing a need to grow and further themselves, or a need for independence as per Knowles independent self concept. According to Mezirow, transformative learning is a process in "perspective transformation". This transformation has three dimensions: one dimension is psychological or a change in the understanding of ones self, the second dimension is convictional or a revision in ones beliefs and the third is a behavioral change, such as a change in ones lifestyle.The people in this photo are an example of who I see as typical adult learners. The people in the picture are a group of Mexican students learning to read and write Spanish for the first time. According to Lange, with progressive orientation, education at one time was viewed as one of the most powerful ways in which society could advance. I feel this image is a good example of that philosophy.

Reference: ADHE 412 Unit 6 Notes and readingsLange, E. Challenging Social Philosophobia, 2006.

Broad Base of Experience

Image retrieved on February 16/2012 from: Deutsch Lernen in Glossop http://www.flickr.com/photos/47806131@N03/4389806570/

The image here are of a small group of ladies who, in my opinion have a broad base of life experience. They decided to further themselves and did so. They have differing experiences than children do so are considered or assumed to be adults. The people in this photo are from England and they are taking some German language classes.According to Knowles, adults have more varied and extensive experiences than children and that’s what sets them apart. The quality of experiences for adults are different than those of children. His work also included feminist theory and views and the perspective transformation of women.

Reference: ADHE 412 Unit 6 Notes

Readiness to Learn

Image retrieved on February 16/2012 from: Marian Thacher http://www.flickr.com/photos/marianthacher/5641374689/in/photostream/

Here are a group of adult learners involved in discussing Mathematics at length.In our notes, Verner regards adults as people who have come into a certain stage in life where they are involved in the social roles of adulthood.Knowles notes that this assumption follows a change in role such as job loss, or now perhaps an empty nest results in the urge to receive further education themselves.A life changing event is seen as the pivotal event that brings adults to education and bring a readiness to learn. Adults tend to be more interested in educational activities that meet their current state. In our readings, Elizabeth Lange notes that some educators may just reproduce how they were educated and not take into account the learners needs which could have a negative effect on the learner.Reference: ADHE 412 Unit 6 Notes and ReadingsLange, E. Challenging Social Philosophobia, 2006. 

Orientation to Learning

Image retrieved on February 16/2012 from: Marian Thacherhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/marianthacher/5641945916/in/photostream/

The group of people pictured here are a social media group meeting at a preconference. These people are learning today to use this information tomorrow. This assists in increasing their competency in an area to further themselves in their career today or tomorrow.This is one of the assumptions of adult learners, that they want to learn today and be able to use this information in the near future.Lange, in our readings, note that when learners know what they need and feel ready to learn, they will then take the responsibility to learn.

Reference: ADHE 412 Unit 6 notesLange, E. Challenging Social Philosophobia, 2006.