Essay on "Self-Directed Learning and Andragogy"

Essay 4 pages (1267 words) Sources: 3

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Self-Directed Learning and Andragogy

Self-directed learning

What do you think about self-directed learning in what and how we learn?

Self-directed learning is an often-unheralded part of learning. Out first learning experiences are self-directed -- perhaps guided by a parent, but still ultimately self-directed in the way that these formative life processes are achieved. The way in which we learn to talk, to walk, and to engage with others is not learned in the classroom, but through self-directed trial and error -- through experience. Encouraging students to feel confident about their ability to learn and encouraging them to use their learning in useful and meaningful ways is essential. Teachers must allow students to embark upon the learning process independently.

Students of all ages ask questions about the relevance of the knowledge they learn in the classroom and allowing them choice and autonomy facilitates their ability to make connections between the world of the classroom and their own, personal needs. A budding young chef is more likely to be interested in fractions if he or she understands how dividing can help him halve a recipe. Adult learners often come to the formal classroom environment with specific goals for their education and wish to understand how the diverse subjects they must study relate to that purpose. Allowing a future nurse in a speech class to choose her topic when giving a speech and to educate the students about Lyme disease prevention enables her to feel as if she is furthering her nursing education even in a class not specific to her discipline and purpose for getting her medical degree.

Continue scrolling to

download full paper ⤓

Can or should all learning be self-directed, why or why not?

However, not all learning can be self-directed. Not all aspects of a field of study will be equally interesting to a student. Additionally, some of the basics of grammar, math, and early language learning may be fairly technical and not lend themselves to self-directed learning. The direction of a teacher and the presence of other students can also be a powerful motivational device for the learner. Some students may not be ready to embark upon learning in a purely self-directed fashion or "psychologically prepared to take on self-directed learning…Initiative, independence, and persistence in learning; responsibility for one's own learning; self-discipline; curiosity; ability to work independently; pleasure for learning; propensity to be goal-oriented; and tendency to view problems as challenges rather than obstacle" are all "psychological qualities involved in readiness for self-directed learning" (Conceicao, Simone & Rosemary Lehman 2003: 45).

Within the self-directed learning process, discuss the three types of models: linear, interactive, and instructional

In the linear mode of learning, students proceed through a specific, pre-determined syllabus without interacting with their professor or even other students very much. This is the 'lecture class' mode of knowledge transmission. Students must self-direct their learning and meet pre-determined standards, as on a test. The interactive method, however, depends upon interaction between students and teachers to set the goals of the classroom. Self-direction involves freedom of choice. A teacher might allow students considerable freedom in selecting what the class will read and in topics for final assignments. In the instructional model, the teacher still instructs the students, but tailors the instruction based upon student needs (Tapscott 2009).

How can adult learners be supported as participants to self-directed learning; by family members, employers, friends, instructors?

Family members can support the self-directed learner by allowing him or her to use classroom knowledge in real life activities, such as an art student teaching crafts to his or her child or painting a picture for the family living room. Employers can financially support self-directed learning activities that also have relevance to the workplace. Friends can likewise make creative suggestions about how hobbies can be integrated into what is learned in the classroom (like chemistry… READ MORE

Download Full Paper

Write a New Paper for Me

Quoted Instructions for "Self-Directed Learning and Andragogy" Assignment:

“

*****¢ Self-directed learning and the assumptions of andragogy

Prepare a 4-7 page paper that addresses the questions listed under each section:

Section I: Self-directed learning

1. What do you think about self-directed learning in what and how we learn?

2. Can or should all learning be self-directed, why or why not?

3. Within the self-directed learning process, discuss the three types of models: linear, interactive, and instructional.

4. How can adult learners be supported as participants to self-directed learning; by family members, employers, friends, instructors?

Section II: Andragogy

5. Malcolm Knowles describes four assumptions of Andragogy. Discuss those four assumptions and the implications for the design, implementation, and evaluation of learning activities with adults. 1st assumption- As a person matures, his or her self concept moves from that of a dependent personality toward one of a self-directing human being. 2nd- An adult accumulates a growing reservoir of experience, which is a rich resource for learning. 3rd- The reasiness of an adult to learn is closely related to the developmental tasks of his or her social role. 4th- There is a change in time perspective as people mature-from future application of knowledge to immediacy of application. Thus, an adult is more problem centered than subject centered in learning. (Knowles, 1980, pp.44-45)

*****¢ Include at least three references. Refer to Chapters 4 and 5, Merriam, Baumgartner, and Caffarella In addition, you may conduct an Internet search for articles. The articles must have an author, title, and date.

o This paper should adhere to APA style standards including the following: Double space, 1***** margins, New Times Roman 12pt. font, in-text citation of references, title page and a reference page (title page and reference page are not counted as content pages).

How to Reference "Self-Directed Learning and Andragogy" Essay in a Bibliography

“Self-Directed Learning and Andragogy.” A1-TermPaper.com, 2010, https://www.a1-termpaper.com/topics/essay/self-directed-learning-andragogy/455063. Accessed 5 Oct 2024.

Self-Directed Learning and Andragogy (2010). Retrieved from https://www.a1-termpaper.com/topics/essay/self-directed-learning-andragogy/455063

A1-TermPaper.com. (2010). Self-Directed Learning and Andragogy. [online] Available at: https://www.a1-termpaper.com/topics/essay/self-directed-learning-andragogy/455063 [Accessed 5 Oct, 2024].

”Self-Directed Learning and Andragogy” 2010. A1-TermPaper.com. https://www.a1-termpaper.com/topics/essay/self-directed-learning-andragogy/455063.

”Self-Directed Learning and Andragogy” A1-TermPaper.com, Last modified 2024. https://www.a1-termpaper.com/topics/essay/self-directed-learning-andragogy/455063.

[1] ”Self-Directed Learning and Andragogy”, A1-TermPaper.com, 2010. [Online]. Available: https://www.a1-termpaper.com/topics/essay/self-directed-learning-andragogy/455063. [Accessed: 5-Oct-2024].

1. Self-Directed Learning and Andragogy [Internet]. A1-TermPaper.com. 2010 [cited 5 October 2024]. Available from: https://www.a1-termpaper.com/topics/essay/self-directed-learning-andragogy/455063

1. Self-Directed Learning and Andragogy. A1-TermPaper.com. https://www.a1-termpaper.com/topics/essay/self-directed-learning-andragogy/455063. Published 2010. Accessed October 5, 2024.

Related Essays: