WED 486
Adult Learning

For the E-Learning Unit, you will be required to research adult education theorists, discuss the implications of learning in the workplace, and describe your philosophy of adult education.  Use the webpage below to learn about 5 Philosophies of Adult Education.

Learning Tool:

 http://www.fsu.edu/~adult-ed/jenny/philosophy.html

• Table One describes the purpose of each philosophy and the roles of learners and teachers.

• Table Two describes the source(s) the philosophy derives its authority from, key words and concepts associated with each philosophy, and the methods commonly used for each.

• Table Three describes the people and practices that are often associated with each philosophy and a general time-frame for each philosophy.

Writing Assignments:  The papers should be double-spaced with a 12-point font.  These should be submitted to the instructor by the end of the 3^rd weekend, which is the 3^rd Sunday by 5:00 p.m., via e-mail.

1.   For each adult education philosophy, choose one scholar/pioneer to research (listed in the “People and Practices” section of the chart) and complete a one-page paper for each that discusses his/her contributions to the field of adult education. 

2.   Write one two-page paper that explains the benefits and challenges of each philosophy as it applies to learning and instruction/training in the workplace.  Consider various workplace contexts such as the military, corporate environments, educational institutions, health care facilities, etc. 

3.   Complete a one-page paper that describes your philosophy of adult education, which may include a combination of each of the five philosophies listed.  Explain the context in which you would apply your philosophy, i.e. in what context would it be appropriate for you to allow your adult students to be more self-directed versus receive your direct instruction and vice verse, etc.