Adult Learning
WED 486
Reflection Assignment
Dr. Steven Brookfield’s Adult Learning
May 30, 2013
In the pursuit of higher learning, many adults are returning back to school to obtain suitable degrees. These untraditional students bring with them a unique mindset to the classroom environment, to include certain hurdles professors and students must face at one point in time during their curriculum. Amongst the several theories on “Adult Learning” discussed in this course, the theorist that is more in tuned with my educational endeavors is Dr. Steven Bloomberg. Dr. Bloomberg’s philosophy addresses these hurdles and other “Adult Learning” issues in his book The Skillful Teacher. This paper will explore three portions of Dr. Bloomberg’s philosophies as they pertain to the concept of adult learning. The first portion will cover the topic of “Skillful Teaching”. Dr. Bloomberg spoke upon two skills that a professor possesses in order to be considered an effective teacher. The first skill or indicator discussed was the “educator’s ability to research their students and be able to view the learning experience from their point of view”. (Brookfield, 2006) Dr. Bloomberg stated that educators “should first put themselves in the shoes of a new learner studying an unfamiliar subject for the first time”. (Brookfield, 2006) Considering the anxieties and insecurities that students have and tailoring one’s curriculum in a fashion that dilutes these issues would prove to be valuable. Adapting this format of teaching has the ability to decrease stress levels associated with the classroom environment, increasing learning potential. Dr. Bloomberg also emphasized that “one of the main goals of a teacher should be their ability to challenge their students to think critically”. (Brookfield, 2006) Inspiring critical thinking in the educational arena prompts the development of alternative perspectives.
The second skill or indicator illustrated was the importance of a teacher’s
Reflection Assignment
Dr. Steven Brookfield’s Adult Learning
May 30, 2013
In the pursuit of higher learning, many adults are returning back to school to obtain suitable degrees. These untraditional students bring with them a unique mindset to the classroom environment, to include certain hurdles professors and students must face at one point in time during their curriculum. Amongst the several theories on “Adult Learning” discussed in this course, the theorist that is more in tuned with my educational endeavors is Dr. Steven Bloomberg. Dr. Bloomberg’s philosophy addresses these hurdles and other “Adult Learning” issues in his book The Skillful Teacher. This paper will explore three portions of Dr. Bloomberg’s philosophies as they pertain to the concept of adult learning. The first portion will cover the topic of “Skillful Teaching”. Dr. Bloomberg spoke upon two skills that a professor possesses in order to be considered an effective teacher. The first skill or indicator discussed was the “educator’s ability to research their students and be able to view the learning experience from their point of view”. (Brookfield, 2006) Dr. Bloomberg stated that educators “should first put themselves in the shoes of a new learner studying an unfamiliar subject for the first time”. (Brookfield, 2006) Considering the anxieties and insecurities that students have and tailoring one’s curriculum in a fashion that dilutes these issues would prove to be valuable. Adapting this format of teaching has the ability to decrease stress levels associated with the classroom environment, increasing learning potential. Dr. Bloomberg also emphasized that “one of the main goals of a teacher should be their ability to challenge their students to think critically”. (Brookfield, 2006) Inspiring critical thinking in the educational arena prompts the development of alternative perspectives.
The second skill or indicator illustrated was the importance of a teacher’s
Bibliography: Brookfield, S. (2006). The Skillfull Teacher. Sanfransico: Josey Boss. Sharan Merriam, R. C. (2007). Learning in Adulthood A Comprehensive Guide. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.