Adult Development and Collaborative Learning

Adult Development and Collaborative Learning Introduction Theories of collaborative learning have, for a number of years, lend credence on the manner in which learners operate within a group setting. Several empirical studies have been carried out to explore the role of collaborative learning in adult development (Dillenbourg et al., 1996, p. 1). According to Kiely, Sandmann and Truluck (2004), the number of adults enrolled for various degree programs has increase remarkably in the last three decades (p. 17).Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Adult Development and Collaborative Learning specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More For instance, William Branson (facing compulsory retirement from the FBI) opted to pursue a master’s degree in counselling to help imprisoned adolescents he dealt with previously. Diane Johnson opted to seek certified credentials (after administering home-based schooling to her children) in order to provide elementary education to child ren. William and Diane are among a growing list of adults in pursuit of official degree programmes (Kiely, Sandmann Truluck 2004, p. 17). According to the University Continuing Education Association, the number of individuals aged above 65 years in the US is projected to increase to 90 million in 2030. Many of these individuals have enrolled in adult degree programmes. According to a report by National Center for Education Statistics, 33 percent of the country’s postsecondary institutions introduced distant-learning courses between 1997 and 1998. In addition, Lewis et al. (1999) reports that over 300 certificates and 1,200 degrees are offered by various learning institutions through distance learning. It is important to note that these courses and degree programmes have unique appeal to adult learners because they are time-and place independent. Therefore, this paper aims to explore strategies and theories for adult development and collaborative learning. Adult Learning Theo ry Kiely, Sandmann Truluck (2004) assert that the theory of adult learning is exceptionally diverse and intricate matter (p. 18). In the last two decades, several adult educators have endeavoured to map (theoretically) the margins of adult learning theory in order to assist experts manoeuvre the subject more efficiently. For instance, Mackeracher (1996) analysed adult education via the vibrant and versatile lens of a kaleidoscope. Merriam (1988) portrays adult education as a web and suggests a six-part template to assist adult educators manoeuvre through various relevant areas, such as theories of adult education as well as traits of adult learners.Advertising Looking for assessment on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In a more current study, Merriam (2001) defines adult education as an â€Å"ever-changing mosaic, where old pieces are rearranged and new pieces added† (p. 1). Furthermore, Merriam (20 01) incorporates conventional theories of adult education that lend credence on traits of individual adult learners as well as learning processes. Merriam and Caffarella (1999) provide the most inclusive theoretical framework for explaining and comprehending the diverse nature of adult learning theory. Their theoretical construct explores three areas: the characteristics of the adult learner, circumstances under which adult individuals learn, and the adult learning procedures. The following sections explore the theory of adult education that elucidates diverse aspects of adult education process. For adult educators who develop and control adult degree programs, the theory of adult learning provides a valuable instrument to manoeuvre the immense sphere of adult education, including hypothetical standpoints and their realistic applications (Kiely, Sandmann Truluck 2004, p. 19). Adult Learning Theory The adult learning theory (also known as Androgogy) was first suggested by Knowles et al. (1998). According to Knowles et al. (1998), the adult learning theory comprises of six doctrines. The first doctrine relates to the learner’s need to know: â€Å"how learning will be conducted, what learning will occur, and why learning is important† (Knowles et al., 1998, p. 133). The second doctrine, known as self-sufficient education, refers to the ability of a learner to control strategies and aims of learning. Third, previous knowledge of the learner influences education by producing prejudices and adults’ self-realization, offering rich resources and generating diversity among adult learners. The fourth doctrine is willingness to learn. Adults are usually willing to study when their life circumstance produce a desire to learn. Usually, adults fancy analytical approach to learning. For instance, adults learn better when learning is embedded in real-life experiences. The fifth doctrine is inspiration to study. The adults’ inspiration to learn is usually high especially if the knowledge acquired can enable them to work out key issues in their lives. Brookfield (1995) investigated four key procedures associated with adult learning. First, self-administered education lends credence on the procedure in which adults learners manage their learning process. First, adults establish their learning objectives, search for suitable resources, make decision regarding their education styles and assess their advancement.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Adult Development and Collaborative Learning specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Second, in-depth reflection refers to the procedure of understanding the manner in which adult learners think critically and contextually. Third, tentative education emphasizes that adult learning should lend credence on the experiences of adults. Lastly, learning to learn is an integral component for adult development (Huang 2002, p. 30). Hu ang (2002) asserts that adult learning is a lifetime process that takes place at individual level. With respect to individual disparities, it is perfectly normal for adult learners to experience anxiety when they are subjected to a new learning environment. In addition, Huang (2002) states that adults must be motivated adequately to undertake learning because they have additional responsibilities (i.e. family and work). Therefore, adult educators must provide constructive environment at the appropriate time and provide relevant materials that are well organized in order to improve the prospects of success (p. 30). Constructivism Some researchers have suggested that adults could learn dynamically and construct novel ideas on the basis of their previous knowledge (Bruner 1996; Huang 2002). Under constructive approach, the role of educator is to facilitate the learning process. Huang (2002) asserts that circumstances symbolize the knowledge of the environment that affects interactions occurring between the learner and his/her settings. Therefore, the learning process is grounded upon active experience. In addition, he suggests that the learner should acclimatize his/her problem-solving skills to other subjects. An adult learner who lacks motivation will not recognize a problem. Therefore, the learning process should incorporate problems that capture interests of the learner. Thus, constructivist approach lends credence on enhancing the capability of a learner to solve his/her real-life problems. Consequently, problem-solving and free discovery are intertwined. This means that knowledge is vibrant and is constructed on the basis of course of discovery. Under constructivism, the educator is deemed as a guide as opposed to an instructor. The rationale for this argument is that learning facilitates interaction between the learner and the educator as opposed to result-based learning (Huang 2002, p. 29).Advertising Looking for assessment on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The role of social learning is also emphasized by Vygotsky (1978). For instance, Vygotskian theory lends credence on the significance of socio-cultural perspective in which learning occurs and the manner in which it influences the learning process (Vygotsky 1978). Vygotskian theory is also known as social constructivism because it lends credence on the role of interaction between educators and adult learners in cognitive development. A substantial part of the collaborative problem-solving approach is based on the zone of proximal development (ZPD), a concept developed by Vygotsky (Huang 2002, p. 29). Online Technology Huang asserts the crucial role of technology in adult learning. He categorically states that: Principal emphasis in education should be placed upon skills†¦skills in handling, in seeing and imaging, and in symbolic operations, particularly as these are related to the technologies that have made them so powerful in their human expression (Huang 2002, p. 29). Thus, technologies are deemed as cognitive instruments that can assist an adult student to elucidate his/her experiences as well as participate in constructive learning. Various technologies (i.e. World Wide Web, online chat rooms and courseware) are utilized to help adult learners engage in collaborative learning. For instance, the Web offers hypermedia ability to aid the learning process. Web publishing and hypermedia are online tools that usually incorporate information search engines. The search engines are used on regular basis to search and understand a variety of ideas generated by other learners. In addition, the Web offers massive information for adult students. For example, the adult learner can use the Web to generate his/her own ideas or search for relevant information to solve problems. Therefore, the Web is an important tool for constructivist education. Furthermore, newsgroups, chat rooms, listservs and Email enable adult learners to interact with their peers and access new knowledge. Synchronous and asynchronous conversations lends emphasis on the advancement of knowledge-creating groups where members share the knowledge created as well as procedures employed to create it (Huang 2002, p. 30). Constructivism in Adult Learning Interactive Learning Vygotsky (1978) asserts that adult students learn effectively when they collaborate with their peers. In other words, interactivity plays an important role in stimulating and motivating adult learners. In addition, online interactivity facilitates knowledge exchange between learners and educators. However, some adult learners do not engage in active interactions with their peers. Therefore, educators must help them to participate actively in group discussion. For example, educators can achieve this goal by developing discussion plans that require all adult students to take part in group conversation through coordinated communication instruments such as multi User Dungeons (MUD), online conferences or online c hat rooms. In addition, educators can request adult students to read and react to course materials via asynchronous communication instruments such as emails, news groups and listservs. Thus, significant feedback and response surface when adult learners appreciate the significance of their learning process. It is important to mention that interactions between adult students, educators and course material are essential elements required in distance learning (Huang 2002, p. 33). Collaborative Learning Social constructivists suggest that adult education should underline interaction between adult learners and their environments in order to augment collaborative learning. Developing a social conciliation environment can promote introspective responses and augment collaborative learning. This is an important aspect that must be emphasized by educators in order to promote critical thinking abilities among adult learners. In addition, novel technologies can augment learners’ interacti ons as well as promote collaborative efforts to amalgamate collective knowledge. In nutshell, constructivist approach emphasizes that instructors must strive to inculcate collaborative learning via social negotiation and reflection (Huang 2002, p. 33). Facilitating Learning A successful instructor must provide an enabling environment that permits adult learners to articulate their experiences in suitable ways. In addition, the environment should allow adult learners to pose questions as well as share their knowledge. In addition, distant learners will be willing to work hard and succeed if the learning environment is secure and motivating. Thus, constructivist approach provides adult learners more autonomy to choose and organize their learning procedures with their peers. Furthermore, under the constructivist approach, the educator facilitates the learning process. The constructivist approach also emphasizes that educators must supervise and certify the quality of collaborative lear ning. In addition, educators must provide adequate support, guidelines and directions for online students (Huang 2002, p. 33). Authentic Learning According to constructivist theory, the learning process ought to be authentic. In addition, the process should capture real-life experiences. According Huang (2002, p. 33), â€Å"constructivists emphasize the design of learning environments rather than instructional sequences†. In other words, adult students must acquire skills associated with their work experiences. This is an important aspect which must be addressed by educators and integrated in the adult learning process. Adult educators must also strive to integrate practical education in adult education. Furthermore, learning should be embedded in real-life issues, incidents or challenges which must be meaningful and interesting to adult students. In addition, educators must evaluate the traits of adult students so as to steer clear of pre-authentication. It is important to m ention that educators should involve adult learners in developing the curriculum. In other words, adult learners should have a say regarding what should be taught, the objectives of the curriculum and the relevant materials required for the course. Consequently, the knowledge of adult students will be authentic and meaningful (Huang 2002, p. 34). Learner-Centred Learning Adult learning theory and constructivist approach emphasize that adult learners should take charge of their learning process. In addition, these theories emphasize that learners should undertake learning via a problem-solving approach. In general, there are several hypotheses associated with adult distance learning. For example, adult distance learners are inspired and individually different, self-oriented, and extremely independent. Consequently, the prospects of Learner Centred Psychological Principles are in harmony with the hypotheses of adult distance learning. This is because the prospects for promoting lifeti me learning lean towards learner-oriented design of instruction which emphasize the active role of adult learners with respect to the development of learning programmes. Furthermore, self-oriented students set their goals, are extremely motivated, search for resources and assess their education process to achieve their objectives (Huang 2002, p. 34). High-Class Learning Constructivist approach lends credence on the learner’s ability to control the learning process. The approach also reduces the gap between the real-life experiences and the learning environment. Compared to conventional learning environment, online instructional media endows unlimited autonomy of control to the learner. In other words, an adult learner can access limitless number of information related to real-life experiences using search engines. As noted earlier, adult students must soak up external inputs and create ingenious ideas from their previous experiences. Huang (2002) asserts that adult learners n eed key thinking abilities to be able to confront and direct their lives. To put another way, adult learners should possess necessary skills to be able to evaluate the authenticity and quality of information available online. Adult students must also learn how to control, evaluate, review and convert information into precious knowledge (Huang 2002, p. 34). Conclusion Statistics show that the number of individuals aged above 65 years in the US is projected to increase to 90 million in 2030. Many of these individuals have enrolled in adult degree programmes. According to a report by National Center for Education Statistics, 33 percent of the country’s postsecondary institutions offer several distant-learning courses. In addition, Lewis et al. (1999) reported that over 300 certificates and 1,200 degrees are offered by various learning institutions through distance learning. It is important to note that these courses and degree programmes have unique appeal to adult learners beca use they are time-and place independent. Several empirical studies have been done to explore the role of collaborative learning in adult development. This paper has discussed several theories and strategies to enhance adult development and collaborative learning. As mentioned earlier, constructivist theories provide various strategies that educators can use to construct learner-oriented and collaborative settings that enhance learning processes and critical reflection. Kiely, Sandmann Truluck (2004) assert that the theory of adult learning is exceptionally diverse and intricate matter (p. 18). In the last two decades, several adult educators have endeavoured to map the margins of adult learning theory in order to assist experts manoeuvre the subject more efficiently. For instance, Mackeracher (1996) analysed adult education via the vibrant and versatile lens of a kaleidoscope. Online discussion groups have a number of characteristics such as collaborative, inquiry-based, project-ba sed, authentic, and discussion-based. In nutshell, educational theories, instructional strategies and other related factors are important for promoting adult development and collaborative learning. References Dillenbourg, P, Backer, M, Blaye, A O’Malley, C 1996, The evolution of research on collaborative learning, Elsevier, Oxford. Bruner, J 1996, The culture of education, Harvard University Press, Cambridge. Huang, H 2002, ‘Toward constructivism for adult learners in online learning environments’, British Journal of Educational Technology, vol. 33 no. 1, pp. 27-37. Kiely, R, Sandmann, L Truluck, J 2004, ‘Adult Learning Theory and the Pursuit of Adult Degree’, New Direction for Adult and Continuing Education, no. 103, pp. 17-30. Knowles, M, Holton F Swanson, R 1998, ‘The adult learner’, Computer and Education, vol. 31, pp. 229-242. Lewis, L, Snow, K, Farris, E Levin, D 1999, Distance Education at Postsecondary Education Institutions, National Center for Educational Statistics, Washington, D.C. Mackeracher, D 1996, Making Sense of Adult Learning, Culture Concepts, Toronto. Merriam, S 2001, Editor’s Notes: The New Update on Adult Learning Theory, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco. Merriam, S 1988, ‘Finding Your Way through the Maze: A Guide to Literature in Adult Learning’, Lifelong Learning: An Omnibus of Practice and Research, vol. 11no. 6, pp. 4–7. Vygotsky, L 1978, Mind in society, Harvard University Press, Cambridge.