EDS3701 Assignment 3
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
2025 - DUE 21 July 2025
For assistance contact
Email:
, Understanding Adult Learning and Transformative Learning
Introduction
Education is a lifelong journey, and while the foundational principles of learning apply to all
ages, the way adults acquire and process information differs significantly from how children
learn. Recognizing these distinctions is crucial for effective teaching and facilitation, particularly
in adult education settings. This discussion will delve into the unique characteristics of adult
learning, introduce the prominent theory of transformative learning, explain its core tenets to a
student audience, and explore practical applications of this theory in educational practice.
3.1 Adults learn differently from children. Explain adult learning in your own words. (5)
In my own words, adult learning is a purposeful and often self-directed process where mature
individuals acquire new knowledge, skills, and attitudes, driven by their life experiences and
immediate needs. Unlike children, who often learn for the sake of future application or simply
because they are told to, adults are typically goal-oriented learners. They bring a wealth of
prior knowledge, experiences, and existing mental frameworks to any new learning situation.
This makes their learning process more about integrating new information with what they
already know, rather than simply absorbing it.
Key characteristics of adult learning include:
Self-Direction: Adults prefer to have control over their learning process. They want to
decide what they learn, how they learn it, and when. They often resist being passively
taught and thrive when given agency.
o Example: An adult wanting to learn a new software program might prefer to
work through a self-paced online tutorial with practical exercises rather than
attending a lecture.
Experience-Based Learning: Life experiences are the richest resource for adult
learning. Adults learn best when new information can be connected to their personal or
professional experiences. They also learn a great deal from sharing their experiences with
others.
o Example: A workshop on conflict resolution will be more effective if participants
can share real-life conflict scenarios they've faced and discuss how new strategies
might apply.
Problem-Centered Approach: Adults are motivated to learn when they see the
immediate relevance of the learning to solve a real-world problem or to achieve a specific
goal. They want to know "Why do I need to learn this?" and "How will this help me
now?"
o Example: An entrepreneur will be highly motivated to learn about marketing
strategies if they are struggling to attract customers for their new business.
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
2025 - DUE 21 July 2025
For assistance contact
Email:
, Understanding Adult Learning and Transformative Learning
Introduction
Education is a lifelong journey, and while the foundational principles of learning apply to all
ages, the way adults acquire and process information differs significantly from how children
learn. Recognizing these distinctions is crucial for effective teaching and facilitation, particularly
in adult education settings. This discussion will delve into the unique characteristics of adult
learning, introduce the prominent theory of transformative learning, explain its core tenets to a
student audience, and explore practical applications of this theory in educational practice.
3.1 Adults learn differently from children. Explain adult learning in your own words. (5)
In my own words, adult learning is a purposeful and often self-directed process where mature
individuals acquire new knowledge, skills, and attitudes, driven by their life experiences and
immediate needs. Unlike children, who often learn for the sake of future application or simply
because they are told to, adults are typically goal-oriented learners. They bring a wealth of
prior knowledge, experiences, and existing mental frameworks to any new learning situation.
This makes their learning process more about integrating new information with what they
already know, rather than simply absorbing it.
Key characteristics of adult learning include:
Self-Direction: Adults prefer to have control over their learning process. They want to
decide what they learn, how they learn it, and when. They often resist being passively
taught and thrive when given agency.
o Example: An adult wanting to learn a new software program might prefer to
work through a self-paced online tutorial with practical exercises rather than
attending a lecture.
Experience-Based Learning: Life experiences are the richest resource for adult
learning. Adults learn best when new information can be connected to their personal or
professional experiences. They also learn a great deal from sharing their experiences with
others.
o Example: A workshop on conflict resolution will be more effective if participants
can share real-life conflict scenarios they've faced and discuss how new strategies
might apply.
Problem-Centered Approach: Adults are motivated to learn when they see the
immediate relevance of the learning to solve a real-world problem or to achieve a specific
goal. They want to know "Why do I need to learn this?" and "How will this help me
now?"
o Example: An entrepreneur will be highly motivated to learn about marketing
strategies if they are struggling to attract customers for their new business.
