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Kenneth Biddington

Adult education is as old as Adam. We have shared knowledge in different forms, from talking to a friend, to formalizing information sharing in great universities. The importance of adult education has finally caught the attention of the movers and shakers of the world. For instance, UNESCO is now investing heavily in training teachers that are involved in TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) to increase the supply of qualified teachers in developing countries.

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Adult education is as old as Adam. We have shared knowledge in different forms, from talking to a friend, to formalizing information sharing in great universities. The importance of adult education has finally caught the attention of the movers and shakers of the world. For instance, UNESCO is now investing heavily in training teachers that are involved in TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) to increase the supply of qualified teachers in developing countries.

Our goal in offering this course is precisely to prepare and equip current and future adult educators around the world. Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock for the past twenty years, you may have noticed that education has changed. For example, computers and the Internet have changed the way we relate to knowledge. New teaching strategies are constantly being proposed and adopted in many countries. If we want to be heard in the competitive world, we have to match, or at least keep pace with these strategies when we facilitate our programs.

Are you ready to reconsider the way you teach adults? Do you think we should teach adults the same way we teach children? Let this course challenge the way you currently think about adult education.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction
Philosophical Approaches in Adult Education
Introduction to Course
Ken’s Bio
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This short quiz will evaluate what is found in the first module - Introduction to Adult Education

This quiz will evaluate what you have learned in module 2.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores andragogy, which is the study of adult learning and is essential for educators working with adult learners
Examines the differences between pedagogy and andragogy, which helps educators tailor their teaching methods to different age groups
Discusses formal and informal education, which helps educators understand the various contexts in which adult learning can occur
Introduces the concept of heutagogy, which is self-determined learning and may be useful for educators interested in learner autonomy
Includes quizzes to evaluate learning, which may help learners gauge their understanding of the material
References Malcolm Knowles' theory on adult education, which may be dated and not fully representative of current research

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Reviews summary

Foundations of teaching adults

Based on the course structure and content, learners would likely find that this course provides a solid introduction to adult education, covering core concepts like Andragogy versus Pedagogy and the characteristics of adult learners. The syllabus suggests a logical progression from theory to practical teaching tips. The course includes video content and quizzes to reinforce learning. While it lays a strong foundation, those with extensive prior experience may find some topics introductory.
Assessments to check understanding.
"The quizzes helped confirm my grasp of the material."
"Quizzes are included after key modules."
"I used the quizzes to review important points."
Logical organization of course material.
"The course modules flow logically."
"Content moves clearly from definitions to practical application."
"I found the structure easy to follow and learn from."
Offers strategies for teaching adults effectively.
"The section on effective instructor attributes was very useful."
"I appreciated the practical tips for teaching adult students."
"I learned specific strategies I can apply in my classes."
Clear explanations of adult learning theories.
"I gained a good understanding of Andragogy and Pedagogy."
"The course explained the differences between teaching adults and children well."
"Learning about Malcolm Knowles and his critics was insightful."
Best suited for beginners in adult education.
"This course feels like a great starting point for someone new to the field."
"Some content might be too basic if you already have teaching experience."
"It's a solid introduction, but not an advanced deep dive."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Teaching Adults Worldwide with these activities:
Review Learning Theories
Refresh your understanding of different learning theories to better understand the foundation of adult education principles.
Show steps
  • Review key concepts of andragogy, pedagogy, and heutagogy.
  • Compare and contrast the different learning theories.
  • Reflect on how these theories apply to your teaching context.
Explore 'Understanding by Design'
Learn about backward design principles to improve your instructional design skills.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Understanding by Design'.
  • Read the book, focusing on the backward design process.
  • Consider how to apply these principles to your adult learning modules.
Read 'The Adult Learner' by Malcolm Knowles
Gain a deeper understanding of andragogy by reading the seminal work by Malcolm Knowles.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Adult Learner' by Malcolm Knowles.
  • Read the book, focusing on the core principles of andragogy.
  • Reflect on how these principles can be applied in your teaching practice.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Participate in a Peer Teaching Session
Practice your teaching skills and receive feedback from peers in a supportive environment.
Show steps
  • Organize a peer teaching session with other students.
  • Prepare a short lesson on a topic related to adult education.
  • Deliver your lesson and receive feedback from your peers.
  • Provide constructive feedback to your peers.
Create a Presentation on Adult Learning Styles
Solidify your understanding of adult learning styles by creating a presentation that you can share with colleagues or use in your own training sessions.
Show steps
  • Research different adult learning styles (e.g., visual, auditory, kinesthetic).
  • Develop a presentation outlining the characteristics of each style.
  • Include strategies for catering to different learning styles in your teaching.
  • Practice your presentation.
Design an Adult Learning Module
Apply the principles learned in the course by designing a complete learning module for a specific adult audience.
Show steps
  • Identify a specific adult audience and their learning needs.
  • Develop learning objectives for the module.
  • Create learning activities and assessments aligned with the objectives.
  • Develop a plan for delivering the module.
Volunteer at an Adult Education Center
Gain practical experience by volunteering at an adult education center and assisting with classes or workshops.
Show steps
  • Identify an adult education center in your community.
  • Contact the center and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Volunteer your time to assist with classes or workshops.
  • Reflect on your experiences and how they relate to the course material.

Career center

Learners who complete Teaching Adults Worldwide will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Adult Education Teacher
An adult education teacher instructs adult learners in a variety of subjects, from basic literacy to vocational skills. This course prepares you to work with adult students. Because the course covers the meaning of adult education, the goals and purposes of adult education, and the qualities of effective instructors or mentors, a career as adult education teacher may be within reach. Since the course emphasizes different learning styles of adults, you will be prepared to help your adult students learn more effectively.
ESL Instructor
An English as a Second Language instructor teaches English language skills to non-native speakers, often working with adult learners from diverse backgrounds. The material on the differences between andragogy and pedagogy would be especially useful for an ESL Instructor. By taking this course, you will understand how adults learn. The course covers Malcolm Knowles' Theory on Adult Education, twelve tips to teach adult students, and the attributes of effective instructors.
Corporate Trainer
A corporate trainer designs and delivers training programs to employees within an organization. This course, with its emphasis on philosophical approaches in adult education and new teaching strategies, provides a strong foundation for a career as a corporate trainer. The course covers various aspects such as the differences between andragogy and pedagogy, principles of adult learning, and different styles of learning, equipping you with the knowledge to create effective training modules tailored to adult learners. By understanding how adults learn best, you can design engaging and impactful programs that enhance employee skills and improve organizational performance. You will also learn about formal versus informal education.
Training Manager
A training manager oversees the training and development programs within an organization, ensuring that employees have the skills and knowledge needed to perform their jobs effectively. The training manager should be aware of philosophical approaches in adult education, andragogy versus pedagogy, and different types of adult learning. By knowing this, the training manager will know how to implement effective training programs. This course also covers tips to teach adult students and new teaching strategies.
Literacy Specialist
A literacy specialist helps individuals develop and improve their reading and writing skills, often working with adults who have limited literacy. The ideas brought up in this course will inform the literacy specialist. With the course's emphasis on philosophical approaches in adult education and new teaching strategies, this course provides valuable insights into effective literacy instruction for adult learners. A literacy specialist can also consider pedagogy versus andragogy, and different types of adult learning.
Training and Development Specialist
Training and development specialists assess training needs, create training materials, and facilitate learning experiences for employees. As the course introduces new teaching strategies, philosophical approaches in adult education, and the differences between andragogy and pedagogy, this may be particularly useful. By understanding adult learning principles, this course helps build a foundation for success in designing and implementing effective training programs that meet the diverse needs of adult learners in the workplace. In this course, you will also explore formal and informal education.
Community Education Coordinator
A community education coordinator develops and manages educational programs and services for adults in local communities. A community education coordinator will benefit from the ideas brought up in this course, such as formal versus informal learning, new research in the field of adult education, and twelve tips to teach adult students. The course covers philosophical approaches in adult education, andragogy versus pedagogy, and different types of adult learning.
Academic Coach
An academic coach supports students in achieving their academic goals by providing personalized guidance, study skills training, and motivational support. Given the course's emphasis on teaching adults, you may find ways to best provide them with personalized guidance. This course covers formal and informal learning, Malcolm Knowles Theory on Adult Education, and the differences between andragogy and pedagogy. Academic coaches can also help adult students to develop effective learning styles.
Instructional Coordinator
An instructional coordinator develops and implements educational programs and curricula. An instructional coordinator should know the main differences between andragogy and pedagogy. The course content, with its focus on adult education principles, different styles of learning, and new teaching strategies, may be useful. The course also covers the meaning of adult education, different types of adult learning, and the attributes of effective instructors. You will also explore the characteristics of adult learners.
Education Consultant
An education consultant provides expert advice and guidance to schools, organizations, and individuals on educational best practices and strategies. This course, with its emphasis on philosophical approaches in adult education and new teaching strategies, equips you with a strong knowledge base to consult on adult learning programs. Understanding andragogy versus pedagogy, different types of adult learning, and the attributes of effective instructors are crucial for providing valuable insights and recommendations to clients seeking to improve their adult education initiatives. As an education consultant, the course will allow you to draw on the course's learning objectives.
Higher Education Administrator
A higher education administrator manages various aspects of colleges and universities, including academic programs, student services, and institutional operations. This course, with its focus on adult education principles, provides a helpful framework for understanding the unique needs and challenges of adult learners in higher education settings. The course covers topics such as philosophical approaches, andragogy versus pedagogy, and different types of adult learning, which are valuable for administrators seeking to enhance student success and improve educational outcomes. New teaching strategies are also covered.
Curriculum Developer
A curriculum developer designs and creates educational materials and programs, often tailored to specific learning objectives and audiences. The material about adult education principles may be helpful for a curriculum developer. By learning about andragogy versus pedagogy, philosophical approaches, and different types of adult learning, a curriculum developer will be much better informed when creating learning materials. The course also covers Malcolm Knowles' Theory on Adult Education.
E-Learning Designer
An e-learning designer creates online courses and training programs using instructional design principles and technology. By understanding adult learning principles and new teaching strategies, an E-Learning designer may be better informed when creating online courses. The course also covers the attributes of effective instructors, andragogy versus pedagogy, and different types of adult learning. The course also takes into account new research in the field of adult education.
Adult Career Counselor
An adult career counselor provides guidance and support to adults seeking to advance their careers or make career transitions. This course will allow you to explore the goals and purposes of adult education. As the course introduces new teaching strategies and explores the differences between andragogy and pedagogy, this course may contribute to this goal. With the course's exploration of Malcolm Knowles' Theory on Adult Education, this course will leave the counselor better prepared to assist their clients.
Adult Services Librarian
An adult services librarian provides information, resources, and programs to adult library patrons, supporting their lifelong learning and personal development. With its emphasis in philosophical approaches to adult education, this course may allow a librarian to better serve them. This course also covers tips to teach adult students. A better understanding of andragogy versus pedagogy will also inform the librarian.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Teaching Adults Worldwide.
Cornerstone in the field of adult education. It introduces and elaborates on the concept of andragogy, providing a framework for understanding how adults learn best. It is highly recommended as a reference text for this course, as it provides a deeper understanding of the principles discussed. This book is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.
Provides a framework for designing curriculum and instruction with the end in mind. It emphasizes backward design, focusing on desired results before planning activities. While not specifically about adult learning, its principles are highly applicable to designing effective learning experiences for adults. This book adds more depth to the course by providing a structured approach to instructional design.

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