WR1 Adult Learning Environments

 

Objective -  By the end of the lesson given instructions and Web sites, scholars will:

·         Access and read "Patterns in Adult Learning" Gwen V. Childs, Ph.D.,

·         Access and read "Seven Characteristics of Highly Effective Adult Learning Programs" by Dorothy D. Billington, Ph.D.

·         Write a report comparing and contrasting the concepts in the two articles

·         Draw a conclusion as to whether one approach is better than the other

·         Discuss how the articles apply to the class you teach

·         Discuss how your class could be improved by these concepts

·         Follow the memo format described in the first assignment

·         Send the e-mail to the class-at-large using the "Send mail" feature in NiceNet

·         Submit the assignment on or before the due date listed in the course calendar of the syllabus

Assignment Description

Access and read the two articles "Patterns in Adult Learning" by Judith M. Smith, Ph.D. and "Seven Characteristics of Highly Effective Adult Learning Programs" by Dorothy D. Billington, Ph.D.  Then write a report following the memo format described in the first assignment.  The report will be e-mailed to the class-at-large using the "Send mail" feature in NiceNet.  Reports should include all the following elements.

As both an educator and an adult learner you have experienced the traditional teaching/learning approach described in the Dr. Smith article.  Dr. Billington describes an environment which differs from the traditional classroom in a number of ways.  Your first task is to compare and contrast the concepts outlined in the two articles.  Compare means to discuss how the articles are similar.  Contrast means to discuss how the articles differ.  Discuss now Dr. Billington's approach aligns with the traditional methods Dr. Smith describes.  Then describe the way in which they differ.

After analyzing the two educational environments, draw a conclusion as to whether one approach is better than the other and describe why.  Be specific and support your conclusion with examples from your classroom or personal experience.

Next, explain how the concepts in these two articles are reflected in your own classroom.  Again, be specific and site examples.  Do not use vague references.  Avoid names and identifying information to preserve your students' privacy but explain the details of the example you are using.

Finally, discuss how your class could be improved by implementing additional concepts from these articles.  Site the article and specific theory.  Explain how you would apply the concept and the expected outcome.

 

Grading Criteria

This assignment is worth 10% of your grade. 

Reports meeting the following criteria will receive an "A." 

·         Compare and contrast the concepts in the two articles (2 points)

·         Draw a conclusion as to whether one approach is better than the other (2 points)

·         Discuss how the articles apply to the class you teach (2 points)

·         Discuss how your class could be improved by these concepts (2 points)

·         Follow the memo format described in the first assignment (1 point)

·         Send the e-mail to the class-at-large using the "Send mail" feature in NiceNet by the due date (1 point)

 

Extra Credit

Read the two articles Andragogy  by infed encyclopedia and Andragogy + Pedagogy by Marcia L. Conner.  You can view a graphic organizer at Hayes Brake llc .  Then include your views andragogy vs. pedagogy as it pertains to the above theories pertaining to the adult learning environment.  (2 points)