ATD Adult Learning Theory & Andragogy 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which theorist popularized the term 'andragogy' to describe the art and science of helping adults learn?
- Benjamin Bloom
- Malcolm Knowles (Correct answer)
- David Kolb
- Jack Mezirow
Correct answer: Malcolm Knowles
Malcolm Knowles popularized the term 'andragogy' in North America, defining it as the art and science of facilitating adult learning, contrasting it with pedagogy (child-focused teaching).
Question 2: According to Knowles' andragogical model, which assumption states that adults accumulate a growing reservoir of experience that serves as a resource for learning?
- Self-concept
- Readiness to learn
- Experience (Correct answer)
- Orientation to learning
Correct answer: Experience
The 'experience' assumption holds that adults bring rich prior experience into the learning environment, which serves as a valuable resource for new learning.
Question 3: In Knowles' framework, the assumption that adult learning is triggered by a developmental transition or social role is called:
- Orientation to learning
- Readiness to learn (Correct answer)
- Motivation to learn
- Self-concept
Correct answer: Readiness to learn
'Readiness to learn' reflects that adults become ready to learn when they encounter a new social role or life task that demands new knowledge or skills.
Question 4: Bloom's Taxonomy of Educational Objectives originally categorized learning into how many domains?
- Two
- Three (Correct answer)
- Four
- Six
Correct answer: Three
Bloom's Taxonomy originally identified three domains of learning: cognitive, affective, and psychomotor, each with its own hierarchy of levels.
Question 5: Which theorist developed the concept of 'transformative learning,' arguing that adults learn by critically examining their underlying assumptions?
- Malcolm Knowles
- Jack Mezirow (Correct answer)
- David Kolb
- Carl Rogers
Correct answer: Jack Mezirow
Jack Mezirow developed transformative learning theory, which posits that adults learn most deeply when they critically reflect on and revise their meaning perspectives.
Question 6: In Keller's ARCS motivational model, what does the 'R' stand for?
- Recognition
- Relevance (Correct answer)
- Reinforcement
- Reflection
Correct answer: Relevance
In ARCS, 'R' stands for Relevance — learners must perceive the content as personally meaningful and connected to their goals for motivation to occur.
Question 7: According to Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory, the learning cycle begins with which stage?
- Abstract Conceptualization
- Active Experimentation
- Reflective Observation
- Concrete Experience (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Concrete Experience
Kolb's learning cycle begins with Concrete Experience — a direct experience that provides the foundation for observation and reflection in the subsequent stages.
ATD Adult Learning Theory & Andragogy 1
Which theorist popularized the term 'andragogy' to describe the art and science of helping adults learn?