Adult Learning Through the Filters of B.F. Skinner & The Color Purple
Adult Learning as Seen Through B.F. Skinner and The Color Purple

The main character in the novel, musical play, and film The Color Purple is Celie, a fourteen-year-old girl living in rural Georgia between the years 1909 to 1949. Celie has been abused and oppressed by men throughout her life. Her father raped and impregnated her. He took her children away from her and let her think they were dead. Finally, her father gives Celie to Albert in marriage, even though Albert wanted to marry Celie's younger and prettier sister, Nettie. Shug is Albert's mistress who rotates in and out of his life, and in so doing, eventually aligns with Celie, becoming her mentor, protector, and lover. Celie's time with Shug is instructive and fosters many changes in Celie's thinking about religion, her own body, sexual relations, independence and oppression,…...

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References

Skinner, B.F. (1972). Beyond freedom and dignity. New York: Vintage Books.

Smith, L.D.; Woodward, W.R. (1996) B.F. Skinner and behaviorism in American culture. Bethlehem, PA: Lehigh University Press.

The Color Purple (1985). Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved   / m/color_purple/.http://www.rottentomatoes.com 

Adult learning self-assessments can prove influential for motivating students (Stipek, ecchia, & McClintic, 1992, cited in oss, 2006, p. 7). The assessment developed for this assignment was designed to enable students to provide feedback both about their instructor as well as about the course they took from their instructor. Assessments help students who might not be able to convey their learning progress otherwise (Loacke, 2004). Specifically, this assessment was an opportunity for adult learners with students within Miami-Dade county public schools to reflect on their learning experiences with teachers in an effort to improve them in the future. As such, there were two primary facets of the assessment: a Likert-based questionnaire (in which a rating of 1 was disagree and 5 was strongly agree), and a pair of essays in which students discussed, respectively, what aspects of the course and of the pedagogue's instruction they would like to improve. Student…...

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References

YOU DID NOT INCLUDE THESE

The importance in training and development with regard to understanding how adult learning works provides the ability to develop effective programs for adult learners in field of employment, education and interests.

When these two articles are blended together, however, they do not have to be mutually exclusive. The tips and training ideas can be taken from Lieb's works and applied to adult learning programs while the cautions of Brookfield's can also be respected and investigated more thoroughly.

Conclusion

As adult education continues to expand through online abilities, classroom learning and on site instruction at the workplace the understanding of how adults process information will continue to be important. Using the tips provided by Lieb will allow adults to be taught new material while at the same time investigating the concerns of Brookfield can be given attention.

It will be important to determine which of the experts is correct as future adult programs continue to…...

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References

Issues in Understanding Adult (accessed 7-3-07) Learning  http://www.nl.edu/academics/cas/ace/facultypapers/StephenBrookfield_AdultLearning.cfm 

Leib, Stephen (1991) Principles of Adult Learning (Accessed 7-3-07)  http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/adults-2.htm 

Noe, Raymond (2004) Employee Training and Development 4th Edition.

Adult learning theory Twenty-First Century 9(chapter 9 book Sharan Merriam - New
The primary purpose of Cari Kenner and Jason Weinerman's "Adult learning theory: applications to non-traditional college students" and Sharan Merriam's "Adult learning theory for the twenty-first century" is to denote differences in adult learners from conventional higher education learners, and to accommodate those differences to maximize learning potential for the former students. The authors achieve these goals by discussing the impact and context of student experience, various aspects of learning theory, and a multi-dimensional approach to learning.

Adult learners are greatly shaped by their previous experience which oftentimes involves elements of real life such as their occupational experience and that of raising children. Oftentimes, such experiences are what distinguish adult learners from "college kids." These experiences can inform their learning in higher educational settings, particularly if pedagogues are aware of them and exploit them in their teaching.

Learning theory is discussed…...

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References

Kenner, C., Weinerman, J. (2011). "Adult learning theory: applications to non-traditional college students." Journal of College Reading and Learning. 41(2) 87-96.

Merrian, S.B. "Adult learning theory for the twenty-first century." New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education.

Adult Learning Abstract
Self-Direction in Adult Learning Forums

Technology has radically changed the face of adult learning during the past 25 years. The traditional brick-and-mortar classroom, while still dominant, has been joined by a wide variety of technology-based learning venues known as Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs). These virtual venues have been particularly successful in the field of adult education, where the freedom of location and schedule that these platforms offer are particularly attractive to learners. One trend that has been increasingly present in VLE education, and to some extent in the traditional classroom, is the use of self-directed learning.

Self-directed learning is defined as a "training design in which trainees master packages of predetermined material, at their own pace, without the aid of an instructor" (Simmering et al., 2009). Because it does not rely on the presence of an instructor, self-directed learning fits well in VLE platforms. It is particularly relevant and useful…...

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References

Rager, K. (2009). I feel, therefore, I learn: The role of emotion in self-directed learning. New Horizons in Adult Education and Human Resource Development, 23(2), 22-33.

Silen, C. & Uhlin, L. (August 2008). Self-directed learning -- a learning issue for students and faculty! Teaching in Higher Education, 13(4), 461-475.

Simmering, M.J., Posey, C., & Piccoli, G. (January 2009). Computer self-efficacy and motivation to learn in a self-directed online course. Decision Sciences Journal of Innovative Education, 7(1), 99-121.

Terry, M. (2006). Self-directed learning by undereducated adults. Educational Research Quarterly, 29(4), 28-38.

Adult Learning
Personal Learning Style:

Strengths, Weaknesses, Improvement

Every student has a personal learning style. Although this is true for students of all ages, this notion is particularly pronounced in adult learners. Perhaps this is the case simply because adult learners have had ample time to become "set in their ways" with regard to what they feel comfortable with in the classroom. However, mere comfort can be deceiving, and many of the "ways" of learning adult students have become accustomed to utilize do more harm than good in their learning processes. In my case, I have found that my particular learning style can help, as well as hinder my academic progress -- this is particularly true considering issues of time management, research, and analysis skills.

There is little question that in my case, I seem to value autonomy in my learning style much more than I did as a younger student. This means that…...

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Bibliography

Houle, C.O. (1961). The inquiring mind. Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin Press.

Kolody, Rita. Conti, Gary J. Lockwood, Suzanne. (1997). Identifying groups of learners through the use of learning strategies. Retrieved on October 12, 2004, from,  http://www.leeds.ac.uk/educol/documents/000000254.htm

As a younger student, I remember being somewhat obstinate and inflexible in that I always wanted to do things my way, even with the benefit of adult instruction. Today, I have the ability to recognize expertise in others and I respect the fact that they may know much more than I do about how to accomplish something in their area of expertise. I believe that my ability to adapt to different situations and to follow the directions of experts in the workplace will translate very well to the adult learning environment. Naturally, I also have some reservations about returning to a formal academic learning environment after so many years away from it. On the other hand, I am very hopeful that the maturity and perspective that I have developed in the meantime will more than compensate for any awkwardness or initial discomfort on my part.
Distance Learning

Finally, the author discusses…...

Adult Learning
Training and Adult Learning

Operational processes and technologies are constantly evolving and more at speeds never before seen in organizations. It is more often than not these changes require the development of new skills sets from employees. Since change in the external environment are now virtually imminent then training and skill development can serve as the one of the primary methods of overcoming organizational change (Buckley & Caple, 2009). Many organizations face employee resistance during periods of organizational change and uncertainty however the new roles and organizational goals can be addressed through training and development.

Because of the importance of training in the modern economy, training effectiveness becomes a critical success factor to the organizations mission. It is possible to evaluate different training programs because there is an intended outcome for the knowledge transfer. Therefore, the desired outcome of the training program can be compared against the actual outcome that the…...

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Works Cited

Buckley, R., & Caple, J. (2009). The Theory and Practice of Training (Sixth ed.). London: Kogan Page.

Min, Z. (2010, June 28). Main theories in Training Transfer (2) -- E.F. Holton & R. Bates's Learning Transfer System Inventory. Retrieved from http://sinau.me/zhumin/2010/06/28/main-theories-in-training-transfer-2-e-f-holton-r-batess-learning-transfer-system-inventory-2/

In this context then, it is more important for the manager to possess a wide array of purposeful and relational skills. These will help him / her envision the organization and as such set the basis of a strategic effort through which the firm would come to attain its objectives. Also, at the specific level of relational skills, these help the manager interact with all stakeholder categories within and outside the company. For instance, the manager has to interact with the employees, to mitigate conflicts, to ensure the staff members are motivated and performing at the maximum levels. Then, the manager has to ensure that the customers are listened to and their needs are served. Also, the manager has to ensure that the demands of the general public are listened and integrated. An organization will not be able to attain its objectives unless it has the support of the employees,…...

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References:

McPhail, T.L., 2006, Global communication: theories, stakeholders, and trends, 2nd edition, Wiley-Blackwell

Vaill, P.B., 1996, Learning as a way of being: strategies for survival in a world of permanent white water, Jossey-Bass

Adult Learning
There have been occasions during my career that required cultural unlearning and building cross-cultural relationships, although I was unfamiliar with the concepts at the time. I was still inclined to accept the institutional learning that I had been programmed with. One such occasion happened on the job when I found out that I would be reporting to a new supervisor. It turned out there was a need for cultural unlearning on my part to make our work relationship successful.

My new boss' sexual orientation initially appeared to me to be out of the norm. My need for unlearning was not especially deep, lucky for me, but there was some mental adjustment required. My preconceptions involved judgments about who would be an appropriate partner. Before our first meeting, it occurred to me that my boss might wonder if I had any such preconceptions, which were after all, fairly common from what…...

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References

Deane, B., Stringer, D. (2009). Walking on egg shells: Fear of talking about differences in the workplace. The GilDeane Group. Retrieved March 30, 2011 from  http://www.diversitycentral.com 

Vail, P.B. (1996). Learning as a Way of Being: Strategies for Survival in a World of Permanent White Water. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Second, it suggests that once an appropriate curriculum has been compiled -- one that produces the appropriate results -- then this very same curriculum should produce the same results every time it is employed properly. And third, it suggests that language itself cannot be conceived of as anything other than a response to an external stimulus; therefore, we, as teachers, should not be concerned with the internal, conceptual aspects of learning a language, and only with the observable, verbal responses that our teaching techniques produce. Of course, these stand as direct consequences of accepting the theory of behaviorism within the context of teaching ESL; however, my experience has shown that, if anything, the version of behaviorism that allows for consciousness is the most beneficial for developing an efficient and successful approach towards teaching.
Unfortunately for the theory of behaviorism, this phenomenon is not easily explained without the existence of internal…...

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Reference:

Cain, M.J. (2002). Fodor: Language, Mind and Philosophy. Cambridge: Polity Press.

Chomsky, N. (1975). Reflections on Language, New York: Pantheon.

Cole, David. (2004). "The Chinese Room Argument." Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, March. Available:

 http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/chinese-room/ .

This can be exploited to encourage the adult students to get into adult education and continue from one stage to another.
Secondly nowles poses that experimental or pragmatic education is the most effective form of adult education. This involves allowing the learners to make mistakes and continue learning from the same. This, as a practitioner, I can use as a very effective tool of assisting the adult learners. It is worth encouraging them to try what they can especially in class participation, assignments, co-curricular activities without reservations and pointing out the shortfalls as I tell them how they can use the same to learn.

Thirdly, Andragogy presumes that for adults to be truly ready to learn new ideas, they need to feel the assurance that whatever they are due to learn or are learning is straightforwardly pertinent to their daily lives. This helps practitioners develop a learning curriculum that is applicable…...

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Knowles also posed that adults learn things from the perspective of actively solving problems, rather than acquiring new content and ideas passively. Adults have a wide range of experiences that form the basis of their learning. When teaching adults, it is crucial to use their divergent experiences to help them learn the applied skills in particular. Their experiences can be used to be a pivot from which the teacher or instructor introduces new ideas o them. Ralph and Roger (1991), says that adult learner will, "Identify his learning need when he finds a problem to be solved, a skill to be acquired, or information to be obtained. He is able to articulate his need in the form of a general goal, differentiate that goal into several specific objectives, and define fairly explicitly his criteria for successful achievement. In implementing his need, he gathers the information he desires, collects ideas, practices skills, works to resolve his problems, and achieves his goals. In evaluating, the learner judges the appropriateness of newly acquired skills, the adequacy of his solutions, and the quality of his new ideas and knowledge." This is proof enough that adult learners are equally active in their quest for knowledge and its application.

Information review

There has been significant scientific research made in the field of adult learning, one of them being on the general fallacy that human beings lose the brain cells everyday. It is however s established that

As such, I then find myself truly understanding the concept as opposed to forgetting or misunderstanding the information if I don't have a relationship or something to hook the concept onto. The other factor that is especially relevant to me is that I truly need to feel like I have some control over the learning which is why I enjoy taking online courses which allow me to choose when to study and how to study. Lastly, I am much harder on myself as an adult learner than I was as an adolescent. When I was younger, I did not bother to even look at a teacher's painstaking commentary in my essays whereas now I cannot wait to obtain feedback and I feel an immense amount of passion toward pleasing the instructor, putting forth my best effort, and obtaining the best grade possible.
2. According to the Whole-Part-Whole learning theory, learners…...

Adult Learning: Andragogy
Adult learning as a concept was first introduced in Europe in the 50s (QOTFC, 2007). ut it was in the 70s when American practitioner and theorist of adult education Malcolm Knowles formulated the theory and model he called andragogy. He defined andragogy as "the art and science of helping adults learn (Zmeryov, 1998 & Fidishun, 2000 as qtd in QOTFC)." It consists of assumptions on how adults learn, with emphasis on the value of the process. Andragogy approaches are problem-based and collaborative as compared with the didactic approach in younger learners. It likewise emphasizes the equality between the teacher and the learner (QOTFC).

Adult Learning Principles

Knowles developed these principles from observed characteristics of adult learners. They have special needs and requirements different from those of younger learners (Lieb, 1991). Adults are internally motivated and self-directed. They bring life experiences and knowledge into their learning experiences. They are goal-oriented.…...

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Chen, I. (2008). Constructivism. College of Education: University of Houston. Retrieved on June 6, 2011 from http://viking.coe.uh.edu/~ichn/ebook/et-it/constr.htm

Corley M.A. (2008). Experiential learning theory. California Adult Literacy Professional

Development Project. CALPRO: California Department of Education. Retrieved on June 13, 2011 from  http://www.calpro-online.org/documents/AdultLearningTheoriesFinal.pdf 

Kolb, D.A. et al. (1999). Experiential learning theory. "Perspectives on Cognitive

Adult Learning Theory: Applications to Non-Traditional College Students" presents a number of important factors that are intrinsic to the propagation of adult education. The authors take a decidedly comprehensive approach to characterizing key distinctions between adult learners and those who are non-adults. As such, the pair make a number of astute observations that directly affect the way that the curriculum and program content should be facilitated for these learners, in order to maximize the didactic process. A thorough review of this article reveals that by choosing to emphasize various aspects of the adult learning experience, the curriculum can be significantly tailored in order to curb the rate of attrition and help adult learners thrive.
The first several pages of this article are concerned with identifying and discussing the ramifications of attributes that are intrinsic to adult learners. Oftentimes, these learners are distinct from others in the fact that the former…...

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References

Kenner, C., Weinerman, J. (2011). "Adult learning theory: applications to non-traditional college students." Journal of College Reading and Learning. 41(2) 87-96.

Effectively Implementing Indigenous Social Policy: Addressing Unique Community Needs

Indigenous communities face a complex array of social challenges, including poverty, health disparities, and educational inequality. Effectively addressing these issues requires an approach that acknowledges the distinct histories, cultures, and needs of indigenous communities. Indigenous social policy provides a framework for developing and implementing policies that are tailored to these specific needs.

Principles of Indigenous Social Policy

Self-determination: Indigenous communities should have the right to determine their own social and economic development policies.
Cultural competence: Policies should be designed with sensitivity to indigenous cultures, values, and traditions.
Community engagement: Indigenous communities should be....