Unit 2 - Activity 2: Language Learners: Who are they?

Unit 2 - Activity 2: Language Learners: Who are they?

Based on the video Andragogy (Adult Learning) by Janey Finlay, J. (2010), our instructor asked several questions. Many of which can be answered using the reference to Malcolm Knowles 6 assumptions of adult learning:

1. adults typically have a "need to know" they desire to know what's in it for them
2. self-concept
3. experience
4. readiness to learn
5. orientation to learn
6. motivation to learn

Quesions:

1. How can we engage adult learners in the planning and evaluation of their instruction?

A - Be sure to include adult learners in the learning process, the plans and the goals. This builds on Knowles first three concepts where adults will better manage themselves and be more accountable for their own learning. In a classroom this may look like a teacher given the students choices about what activities or what area of a topic they would like to explore. This could be done be through a short informal interview or paper survey of topics (even an assortment of pictures if they cannot yet read). It allows them to collaborate and share their hopes of what they would like to be able to do as a result of the learning experience.

2. How can we ensure that what we teach them is directly applicable to their lives outside the classroom?

A - I think we would have to consider where the student may have come from. Each will have their own unique needs. Someone from a refugee camp will definitely have different supports available than someone who may have immigrated. It sounds simplistic but I think dialogue and pre-interviews would go a long way to making sure the most immediate language priorities are addressed first for the student.

3. How can we engage adult learners in problem-solving and experiential learning?

A - I like the "facilitative" approach mentioned in the video. The teach should try to ask questions and elicit the answers from students. I think this is a more powerful way for adults to leverage their problem-solving skills.

4. Think about your own language learning experiences, what worked and what didn't work for you as a learner?

A - I have enjoyed opportunities to collaborate with others when studying other languages. Often my return to class involved an experience or problem I had trying to communicate and I would be seeking help solving or working through that problem. I definitely identify with Knowles assumptions based on this.


REFERENCES

Janey Finlay. (May 17, 2010). Andragogy (Adult Learning) [Youtube video]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/vLoPiHUZbEw