Adult learning process is different from childhood learning. At this point, adults are concerned about absorbing more information at a faster pace so that whatever they learned, they can immediately apply in their lives. They come with various experiences and responsibilities, thus, they are unique in the sense that they are more self-directed, motivated, and goal-oriented (Kenner & Weinerman, 2011, p. 88). They want to be involved in the learning process, which helps them define their learning goals easily and directly. These traits push them to dig down into their personal and work experiences, their education, and familial responsibilities in order to be able to apply their learning to their current practice ("Learning Styles and learning theory").
Adults Expectations on Learning Styles
While there are various types of learners, one can still easily point out some similarities with how individuals learn as they respond better based on their learning styles during childhood. They expect that depending on the learning styles, adult learners respond better when lessons are presented using images, huge body language, and facial expressions. Usually, they are the ones who prefer to take down notes heavily as seeing the lessons on paper help them grasp the lesson. Another type of learner is the auditory learner who adapts well on classroom activities by listening during discussions and taking note of the tone and pitch of the speaker's voice (Rakap, 2010, p. 109). On the other hand, kinesthetic learners rely on movement and experience when it comes to learning their lessons. The more hands on experiences they have, the better they are able to retain information ("Principles of Adult Learning & Instructional Systems Design", p. 2). Usually, adult learners evaluate the relevancy of their learning and check them alongside how they can apply theories and principles in practical aspects of their work or family life.
Personal Example: Experience and Motivation in Pursuing a University Degree
For my part, I am a visual and kinesthetic individual, thus, my time at the university was not very difficult considering that the method of teaching was more on the use of textbooks, graphs, flowcharts, and actual hands on experience. Even the times when discussions and debates were required in class, I found it uncomplicated and easy because I also appreciate aural methods of learning. For these reasons, I believed that the best route to complete my Bachelor's degree was through a regular university course of my interest.
Applying Learning and Development Theories on Online Learning
Attending regular face-to-face instruction allows an individual interactive learning experience where the teacher and student have the opportunity to exchange ideas in a regular classroom set up. Using the various learning and development theories, an individual's learning experience is enhanced. However, applying the same learning principles could be difficult for someone who is enrolled in alternative methods of education, such as online learning. This is because modules are typically provided in the form of reading materials and audio-video resources (Rakap, 2010, p. 113). Considering that academic achievement is measured using quizzes alone, this method may only benefit those students who are visual learners since their strength as students rely mostly in reading and viewing learning materials. However, those students who prefer other methods of learning may find it difficult to cope and prove their success as online students. Therefore, to address this gap in learning, online teachers must devise strategies that would incorporate various learning methods (Russel), such as participation in online discussions, group projects, and chat rooms to increase the interaction among students and further enhance their learning (Rakap, 2010, p. 114).
References
Kenner, C., & Weinerman, J. (2011). Adult learning theory: Applications to non-traditional students. Journal of College Reading and Learning 41(2). Retrieved from http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/EJ926365.pdf
"Learning styles and learning theory." (n.d.). JCU Workplace Educators Resource Package. Retrieved from http://www.jcu.edu.au/wiledpack/modules/fsl/JCU_090463.html
"Principles of adult learning & instructional systems design." (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/downloads/freebies/172/PR%20Pre-course%20Reading%20Assignment.pdf
Rakap, S. (2010). Impacts of learning styles and computer skills on adult students' learning online. TOJET: The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology 9(2). Retrieved from http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/EJ898008.pdf
Russel, S. S., (n.d.). An overview of adult learning processes. Medscape Today News. Retrieved from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/547417
