Adult Learning Theories & Principles Flashcards

Which scenario best demonstrates 'transfer of learning' in an adult education context?

Answer: A healthcare worker applies infection control techniques learned in training during actual patient care

Transfer of learning occurs when knowledge or skills acquired in one context are successfully applied in a different, real-world context.

Which approach does McClusky's 'Theory of Margin' suggest when an adult learner is experiencing high life 'load' (stress, responsibilities)?

Answer: Reduce cognitive demands of instruction to preserve the learner's margin of power

McClusky's Theory of Margin states that learning requires surplus energy (margin); when load is high, instructional demands should decrease to maintain a positive margin for learning.

According to Cross's Chain of Response (COR) model, what is the first link in an adult's decision to participate in learning?

Answer: Attitude toward education based on past experiences

Cross's COR model begins with the adult's attitude toward education, which is rooted in prior educational experiences and shapes all subsequent decisions about participation.

A facilitator encourages learners to keep reflective journals throughout a professional development course. This practice is most aligned with which theory?

Answer: Kolb's Experiential Learning — supporting the reflective observation stage

Reflective journaling directly supports Kolb's 'reflective observation' stage, prompting learners to thoughtfully process and make meaning from their experiences.

Which term describes the phenomenon where adults resist changing deeply held beliefs even when presented with contradictory evidence?

Answer: Perspective resistance or meaning scheme entrenchment

In Transformative Learning Theory, entrenched meaning schemes or frames of reference can resist change because they are tied to identity, values, and long-held assumptions.

Houle's Typology of learner orientations identifies three types of adult learners. Which of the following is NOT one of Houle's categories?

Answer: Reward-oriented learners

Houle identified goal-oriented (learning for specific ends), activity-oriented (learning for social participation), and learning-oriented (learning for its own sake) — not 'reward-oriented.'

Which instructional design principle directly addresses the adult learning characteristic of 'need to know' before investing effort in learning?

Answer: Beginning instruction by explaining why the content matters and how it connects to learners' goals

Adults need to understand 'why' before investing effort; an effective educator addresses this by framing learning objectives in terms of relevance and benefit at the outset.