Contributors

Handout 3

Contributors to Adult Learning Theory

In this exercise, you will analyze the role other disciplines played in the development of Adult Learning Theory. Please save this document and type directly on this template. Each response should be substantive and requires a minimum of 3 to 5 complete sentences per response.

When completed, please submit this document as an attachment to the appropriate drop box.

1. How has clinical psychology contributed to andragogy?

Andragogy is the science of adult education. It was developed in America by Knowles. The principle is that adult learners learn through different needs and motivations than children learners, whose learning is governed by pedagogy. Psychology contributes by providing motivational factors while philosophy contributes by providing orientation to problem solving over content acquisition.

2. How has adult education contributed to andragogy?

Houle and Tough were considered notable contributors. Tough’s research on how adults learn and what motivates them in addition to Houle’s study on the types of adult learners. Some suggest that the legions of adult educators who ascribe to andragogy may have a better understanding of adults as learners compared to another perspective of understanding that may be severely limited and even distorted. Considering that andragogy and the contributions it has to our understanding of adults as learners, it has done little to expand or clarify our understanding of the process of learning itself.

3. How has philosophy contributed to andragogy?

Philosophy contributes by providing orientation to problem solving over content acquisition. Philosophy helps reach a common goal. The quest for knowledge seems similar.