Adult Learning Theory
Adult Learning Theory
Christina Bell (Student #0000000)
American Military University
Professor Michelle Jones
4/23/10
Adult Learning Theory
It is a known fact that Humans dominate the planet because of their intelligence. The ability of the human species to formulate ideas and make use of those ideas and concepts to teach, learn and grow as a whole is phenomenal. This paper will focus on the ageless learner and how cognitive learning develops from childhood to adulthood. It will discuss the complexities of the brain, the principles of childhood and adult learning and productive learning in adulthood. It will also clear up misconceptions of decreased learning abilities as one gets older and ways to improve brain power to keep the mind active. The human brain is a complex machine that has amazed and intrigued mankind throughout history. Due to its intricate structure and complexities, doctors and scientists have devoted their entire lives to researching the anatomy of the brain and the puzzle of how it actually works. There are three major divisions of the brain (Carter, 1998, pp. 88-91), which consists of the forebrain, the midbrain, and the hindbrain which are listed as follows:
1. The forebrain: responsible for receiving and processing information, thinking, producing and understanding language. Within the forebrain is where the cerebral cortex is located which is the largest part of the brain. The cerebral cortex is further divided into cerebral cortex lobes which are:
a. Frontal lobe: involves heavy thinking, planning, organizing, problem solving and other cognitive functions.
b. Temporal lobe: involves emotional responses, memory, and speech.
c. Occipital lobe: involves vision and color recognition.
d. Parietal lobe: receives and integrates information.
2. The midbrain: connects to the hindbrain and the forebrain. The midbrain is responsible for auditory and visual responses as
Christina Bell (Student #0000000)
American Military University
Professor Michelle Jones
4/23/10
Adult Learning Theory
It is a known fact that Humans dominate the planet because of their intelligence. The ability of the human species to formulate ideas and make use of those ideas and concepts to teach, learn and grow as a whole is phenomenal. This paper will focus on the ageless learner and how cognitive learning develops from childhood to adulthood. It will discuss the complexities of the brain, the principles of childhood and adult learning and productive learning in adulthood. It will also clear up misconceptions of decreased learning abilities as one gets older and ways to improve brain power to keep the mind active. The human brain is a complex machine that has amazed and intrigued mankind throughout history. Due to its intricate structure and complexities, doctors and scientists have devoted their entire lives to researching the anatomy of the brain and the puzzle of how it actually works. There are three major divisions of the brain (Carter, 1998, pp. 88-91), which consists of the forebrain, the midbrain, and the hindbrain which are listed as follows:
1. The forebrain: responsible for receiving and processing information, thinking, producing and understanding language. Within the forebrain is where the cerebral cortex is located which is the largest part of the brain. The cerebral cortex is further divided into cerebral cortex lobes which are:
a. Frontal lobe: involves heavy thinking, planning, organizing, problem solving and other cognitive functions.
b. Temporal lobe: involves emotional responses, memory, and speech.
c. Occipital lobe: involves vision and color recognition.
d. Parietal lobe: receives and integrates information.
2. The midbrain: connects to the hindbrain and the forebrain. The midbrain is responsible for auditory and visual responses as