When talking about how adults learn, we need to circle back to the theories from the first few weeks building within the context of more recent weeks. We will be focusing more on theories of application to learning.
Adult learning theory for the twenty-first century
Merriam, S. B. (2008). Adult learning theory for the twenty-first century. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, 2008(119), 93–98. https://doi.org/10.1002/ace.309
Information processing theory and the learning of ‘declarative’ or faculty knowledge is based on a computer model of learning and has evolved as our understanding of the basics of learning and neurosciences have evolved. What role for the training and learning you might be working with. Information processing can involve both behaviorism and cognitivism theories.
Information Processing Theories
Information Processing Theories | Educational Psychology. (2013). Lumenlearning.com. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/edpsy/chapter/information-processing-theories/
Sharit, J., & Czaja, S. J. (2020). Overcoming older adult barriers to learning through an understanding of perspectives on human information processing. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 39(3), 233-241.
We talked about constructivism early on as well. It is coming back here as we think more about how adults learn - particularly as it relates to the social nature of learning.
A constructivist approach to online learning: the Community of Inquiry framework
Swan, K., Garrison, D. R. & Richardson, J. C. (2009). A constructivist approach to online learning: the Community of Inquiry framework. In Payne, C. R. (Ed.) Information Technology and Constructivism in Higher Education: Progressive Learning Frameworks. Hershey, PA: IGI Global, 43-57.
Experiential learning can integrate cognitivism and constructivism into a model that incorporates the environment in which we learn.
EBLS. (2019). 8 Things To Know About the Experiential Learning Cycle (FULL) [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v74nRbWSNqk
Experiential learning - a systematic review and revision of Kolb’s model
Morris, T. H. (2020). Experiential learning - a systematic review and revision of Kolb’s model. Interactive Learning Environments, 28(8), 1064–1077. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2019.1570279
Note: This link is via the Healey Library and may ask for your login credentials.
In Kolb’s research and in some other theories the term “learning style” is used. In Alice Kolb’s video she notes that this is not a box to put people in but a more complex and nuanced discussed. In much of education materials, the term refers to a model speaking to “auditory” vs. “visual” vs. “kinesthetic” learners. This is a highly believed model that has dubious (at best) foundations and impacts how individuals approach their learning as well as how it is designed and taught. You may have heard and even used this approach and you will certainly work with others who have. These three videos provide clear and compelling descriptions of how this, particularly in its restrictive use, is not only not accurate, but also harmful - and provides some alternatives and ways to talk about it with others.
Veritasium. (2021). The Biggest Myth In Education [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhgwIhB58PA
Smithsonian Science Education Center. (2015). Good Thinking! — Sending “Learning Styles” Out of Style [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9hTWRwfZOc
The Learning Scientists. (2016). Study Strategies: Dual Coding [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xCZ4XnkpCc
While not required, if you want to learn more or are not convinced, here are a few articles.
Evidence-Based Higher Education – Is the Learning Styles “Myth” Important?
Newton, P. M., & Miah, M. (2017). Evidence-Based Higher Education – Is the Learning Styles “Myth” Important?. Frontiers in Psychology, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00444
The learning styles neuromyth: when the same term means different things to different teachers.
Papadatou-Pastou, M., Touloumakos, A.K., Koutouveli, C. et al. The learning styles neuromyth: when the same term means different things to different teachers. Eur J Psychol Educ 36, 511–531 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10212-020-00485-2
The scientific status of learning styles theories
Willingham, D. T., Hughes, E. M., & Dobolyi, D. G. (2015). The scientific status of learning styles theories. Teaching of Psychology, 42(3), 266-271.