Learning Theories and Adult
Education
Beverly Ashford
University of Texas - Brownsville
Adult Learning Theories
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Adult learning theories encompass the basic concepts of
behavioral change and experience.
Up until the 1950’s basic definitions of learning were
built around the idea of change in behavior.
After this point more complexities were introduced “such
as whether one needs to perform in order for learning to
have occurred or whether all human behavior is
learned.”
Adult Learning Theories
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Behaviorist – Learning is a change in overt,
observable behavior and is not concerned with
internal processes. The course and content of
learning are controlled by stimuli in the external
environment, not by the individual learner.
Constructivist – Learners interpret information
and the world according to their personal reality.
They learn by observation, processing, and
interpretation, and then personalize the
information into personal knowledge.
Behaviorist Theory
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Behaviorist theory rests on the belief that all forms of
behavior (including learning) are composed of simple
stimulus-response events that can be seen and
measured. More complex learning is the gradual building
up of larger and more complex patterns of stimulus and
response.
According to Behaviorist theory, reward and punishment
(whether grades, praise, monetary compensation or the
loss thereof) form the basis of human learning.
Behaviorism is referred to as “Stimulus-Response”
learning which is derived from the work of B.F. Skinner’s
operant conditioning theory.
Operant Conditioning / B.F. Skinner
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The operant conditioning theory of B.F. Skinner is based upon
the idea that learning is a function of change in overt behavior.
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Changes in behavior are the result of an individual’s response to
events (stimuli) that occur in the environment.
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A response produces a consequence such as defining a word,
hitting a ball, or solving a math problem.
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When a particular stimulus – response pattern is reinforced
(rewarded), the individual is conditioned to respond.
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More complex learning is the gradual building up of larger and
more complex patterns of stimulus and response.
Operant Conditioning and the Adult
Learner
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Because learning under the Behaviorist scenario is a
form of behavior modification, the instructor’s
responsibility is to construct an environment in which the
correct behavior of the learner is reinforced.
Information should be presented in small amounts so
that responses can be reinforced.
Testing is a matter of designing rewards for correct
answers and objectifying results.
Constructivist Theory
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Although Behaviorism has clear and undeniable applications in many
learning experiences, it does not sufficiently explain the nuances of learning
that are primarily self-paced and self-directed.
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Constructivist theories tell us that learning is an individualized process of
“constructing “ knowledge.
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The theory proposes that knowledge and understanding are built up, step
by step, through active involvement of the learner.
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Learning is a continual process in which the individual builds on previous
knowledge, reconciles new information with old knowledge, and rearranges
knowledge to gain new perspective.
The theory of constructivism is generally attributed to Jean Piaget.
Constructivist Theory / Jean Piaget
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Piaget suggested that through processes of accommodation and assimilation,
individuals construct new knowledge from their experiences.
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When individuals assimilate, they incorporate the new experience into an already
existing framework without changing the framework.
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This may occur when individuals’ experiences are aligned with their internal
representations of the world, but they may occur as a failure to change a faulty
understanding.
When individual’s experiences contradict their internal representations, they may
change their perceptions of the experiences to fit their internal representations.
Constructivist Theory / Jean Piaget
(cont)
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Accommodation is the process of reframing one’s mental
representation of the external world to fit new
experiences.
Accommodation is the mechanism by which failure leads
to learning.
Acting on the expectation that the world operates in one
way and it violates our expectations, we often fail, but
by accommodating this new experience and reframing
our model of the way the world works, we learn from
the experience of failure, or others’ failure.
Constructivism and the Adult
Learner
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Learning is a continuing process in which the individual
builds on previous knowledge, reconciles new
information with old knowledge, and rearranges
knowledge to gain new perspectives.
Under the theory of constructivism, instructors focus on
making connections between facts and fostering new
understanding in learners.
Instructors tailor their teaching strategies to learner
responses and encourage students to analyze, interpret,
and predict information.
Impact on Adult Education/Training
Programs
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Behaviorist viewpoints contribute to adult learning which involves
simple declarative knowledge or objective response, but it does not
explain very well how people acquire more complex knowledge such
as problem solving and critical thinking skills.
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Behaviorist strategies can be used to teach the “what” or facts of
the training.
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The constructivist theoretical point of view encourages learners to
discover principles by themselves.
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Constructivist strategies can be used to teach the “why” of the
training. Learners should be allowed to construct knowledge rather
than being given knowledge through instruction.
References
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Conway, J (1997, May). Educational Technology's Effect on Models of
Instruction. Retrieved September 18,2008, from Educational
Technology Web site: http://copland.udel.edu/~jconway/EDST666.htm
Lara, V (2007). Professional Development Module: Learning Theory and the Adult
Learner. Retrieved September 22, 2008, from Learning Theory Web site:
http://www.texascollaborative.org/Learning_Theory.htm
Mergel, B (1998, May). Instructional Design & Learning Theory. Retrieved September
18,2008, from Learning Theories of Instructional Design Web site:
http://www.usak.ca/education/coursework/802papers/mergel/brenda.htm
Smith, M (1999). Learning Theory. Retrieved September 17,2008, from The
Encyclopedia of Informal Education Web site:
http://www.infed.org/biblio/b-learn.htm