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Running Head Krystal Fluellen Assignment 4

Krystal Fluellen

Unit 8: Misconceptions of Adult Learning and Application Synthesis

Post University

EDU 643: Teaching the Adult Learner


Krystal Fluellen Assignment 4

Everyone has their own perception and views on adult learning. Prior to

this course, I had my own misconceptions about adult learning that were quickly

erased as I captured new knowledge on the topic. There are three main

misconceptions that I had prior to this course. The first misconception was that

adult learners are those that are older in age, such as adults that are 35-55.

However, adult learners are in fact those from the ages of 18-senior citizens

generally speaking. The second misconception is that every generation should

learn the same way. However, every generation of learners and adult learners

have a specific way they were raised in general and that has affected the way

they learn best. The last misconception was that adult learners arent self-

directed learners. Now I understand the important of self-directed learning in the

educational path of an adult learner. After the end of this course and further

researching these misconceptions, I have obtained information that has changed

my previous perception indefinitely.

Prior to this class I truly believed that the age range for adult learners

included those that were above 35 and below 55. However, I now understand

that individual from the ages of 18 to senior citizens are included in the adult

learning spectrum. My main focus is senior citizens returning to school and

furthering their knowledge. I couldnt understand why senior citizens would return

to school to further their knowledge at such an old age. One benefit seniors

receive for returning to school at their age is free tuition and tuition discounts
Krystal Fluellen Assignment 4

(Bowe, 2014). According to Young (2013), colleges like Shimer college in

Chicago are opening their doors for senior citizens with free tuition. They believe

that colleges see the benefits in classes having generational differences. Some

retired senior citizens go back to study a different education route than the one

they have taken for most of their lives. They need to find ways to deal with age-

related concerns like leisure, retirement, death, and finances. They also look for

ways to stay busy and they find it in adult learning. When it comes to learning,

adults do not lose intelligence as they get older (Merriam, Baumgartner, and

Caffarella 2007). Most intelligence remains stable through the adult years with

intellectual changes occurring only very late in life. As an educator it is important

that one teaches their students to become more of a self-directed learner. It is

also important that they reflect their teachings to suit all generations.

Another misconception I had was every generation should be taught the

same way. The theory of generational gaps in learning is the attributes of a

typical individuals characteristic when it comes to learning and working. The

variables that impact generational gaps in learning include learning styles,

culture, personal struggle, and of course their generation period. There are

currently four generations in the workplace and/ or education:

Silent generation (born mid 20s-early 40s

Baby boomers (born early 40s-early 60s)

Generation X (born early 60s-early 80s)


Krystal Fluellen Assignment 4

Millennials (born early 80s-early 2000s) (Levonius, 2015)

For each generation, there are certain techniques that dont work with them and

certain techniques that do. Some characteristics from each generation are:

Silent generation:

Value dedication, consistency, integrity, and loyalty

Recognize the value of their experience

Boomers:

Value optimism and personal growth

Likes to put work first

Gen Xers:

Value balance, informality, and diversity

Self-reliant

Millennials/GenYers:

Value variety, technology, social networking

Likes frequent communication, explanations, and feedback

Silent generation individuals need to be motivated by linking them to the good of

the organization. Boomers need to be motivated by persuasion and personal

interaction. Gen Xers need to be motivated by fun, projects, and flexibility.

Millennials need to be motivated by mentoring, highly interactive learning, and


Krystal Fluellen Assignment 4

focusing on outcomes. According to Caudron (1997), Gen Xers need to be

encouraged, challenged, and communicated effectively with.

By focusing on these techniques, educators can effectively reach adult learners

by generation. All adult learners vary by age and by knowing how to effectively

communicate and motivate a specific adult learner, you will gain more success

with them.

When it comes to adult learners, I believed that by utilizing collaboration in

classrooms, educators reap the most success. However, throughout this module,

I have learned the importance of self-directed learning in adult learners. Self-

directed learning theory can be described as the practice when individuals take

the initiative of finding their learning needs and learning goals without help from

others (SDL, n.d.). One of the primary goals for colleges and universities is to

enable their students to become self-directed learners (Merriam, et.al,

2007). Educators should create an environment that allow students to feel

respected and welcomed and are able to set the pace and plan of their learning.

For example, in formal learning, self-directed learners usually have someone on

standby to assist them with the knowledge they seek out to receive, there are

also some end goals such as a certificate or degree. This can include using

textbooks or learning information from a class lecture. In a non-formal learning

environment, the student is basically choosing to learn in a short-term and

deliberate setting (Merriam and Cafferalla, 2007). This can include a pottery
Krystal Fluellen Assignment 4

class at a community center or a computer class at your local library. Though

there are different ways and different environments one can implement self-

directed important, overall self-directed learning is vital in the education of adult

learners.

Throughout this course I have learned so much new information and it has

really changed my perception on so many things. Though some perceptions if

mine still stand, such as the need for collaboration in classrooms in addition to

the self-directed learning, most of my perceptions changed. When it comes to the

generational gap learning theory, being a member of the Millennial era, I can

definitely agree to some of the techniques needed to help me learn best. I

personally do value social networking, technology, and variety. In addition, I am

motivated by being mentored, interactive learning, and by focusing on outcomes.

The respective ages of what is considered an adult learner was definitely a shock

to me and the reasons for senior citizens return to learning made absolute sense

as I would probably do the same. I have such a clearer understanding of self-

directed learning amongst other topics and can now clarify the information to

back up what I now believe.

References:
Krystal Fluellen Assignment 4

Bowe, M. (2014, August 05). Free School: A Secret Benefit for Seniors. Senior

Planet. Retrieved from: https://seniorplanet.org/free-school-the-secret

benefit-of-being-a-senior/

Caudron, S. (1997). Can Generation Xers Be Trained? Training and

Development. Retrieved from:

https://post.blackboard.com/bbcswebdav/courses/EDU643.30109906590

Documents/Can%20GenXers.pdf

Levonius, D. (2015, February 3). Generational Differences in the Classroom.

Association for Talent Development. Retrieved from:

https://www.td.org/Publications/Newsletters/Links/2015/02/Generational

Differences-in-the-Classroom

Merriam, S. B., Baumgartner, L., & Caffarella, R. S. (2007). Learning in

adulthood: A comprehensive guide. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

SDL Definition. (n.d). Self-Directed Learning. Retrieved from:

http://www.selfdirectedlearning.org/sdl-definition-rationale-background-2

Shaheen, R. (2010, May 07). Learning Styles: Generational Teaching Tips.

Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaZ-igX-DBs

Young, H. (2013, September 10). Consider Going Back-to-School Post

Retirement. Huffington Post. Retrieved from:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hilary-young/consider-going-back-to

sc_b_3894493.html
Krystal Fluellen Assignment 4

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