I totally agree with Sheridan, but before presenting my opinion, I would like to describe these two statements (lifelong learning and continuing education) from my point of view. First of all, I would like to state, what does lifelong learning mean to me. Lifelong learning - it is a constant process of obtaining knowledge in particular field of activity. The main feature of this studying process is that it is not a self- compulsory one. The process of lifelong learning depends on your interest and is absolutely voluntary. For example, linguistic professions demand life lifelong learning. Studying languages and different aspects of communication you have to be aware not only about language details but also about culture and traditions. As for continuing education, this is a process of getting additional portion of knowledge in certain field of science or activity. Speaking about this process we can also mention such things as post – secondary education and training courses. To my mind, there is a gigantic difference between lifelong learning and continuing education. The variance between these statements is that continuing education – is a matter of your professional interest, but lifelong education is inseparably connected with your ambitions and self-development.
In the article by Merriam, does the model of antragogy fit into your learning style? How?
Yes, it fits my learning style. To my mind, one of the main principals of antragogy is approach: a thing, that makes a difference between antragogy and pedagogy. As it is written in the article, an adult learner is the person, who is strongly motivated, experienced and has an independent self-concept. I am problem – centered and aware of all the aspects with which my education is connected. Another extremely valuable assumption, which describes my learning approach and is one of the elements of antragogy is the desire to use obtained knowledge as soon as possible. I can not help saying that the desire, mentioned above, is strongly connected with understanding of importance and the ability of further usage of knowledge.
Do you agree with the concept that adults learn differently from children? Why or why not?
In my opinion there are plenty of differences between adults’ way of learning and children’s. First of all it is connected with the approach of receiving knowledge. Immature person depends on the person, who controls all the actions while adults are problem – centered and independent in their actions which are connected with studying process. You may see panic and dismay in children’s eyes when they lost their teacher. Disorientation may also take place, when kids are trying to deal with homework with no help. It reveals one of the main psychological differences between kids and adults in their learning process. Another very interesting fact is that adults challenge the information given by teachers or instructors very often. It is connected with natural curiosity and collected life information. In case with children the process is absolutely different: they take all the facts for granted. Moreover, there is a concept, which shows, that almost all the kids are trying to avoid responsibility for their mistakes and mishaps, which are connected with studying while adult learners are completely responsible for their actions and are trying to understand all the mistakes. It is connected with a sense of responsibility, which only develops with age.
References
CCU CAGS. October 6. 2011. How Adults Learn Compared To Younger Learners.
Retrieved from: http://www.ccu.edu/blogs/cags/2011/10/how-adults-learn-compared-to-younger-learners/
Carolyn B. Thompson. Adults Learn Differently Than Children.
Retrieved from: http://www.trainingsys.com/articles/adultslearn.html
