CAE Adult Learning Theories & Principles 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In Mezirow's Transformative Learning theory, what is a 'disorienting dilemma'?
- A scheduling conflict that prevents adult learners from attending class
- A triggering event that causes learners to question their existing frame of reference (Correct answer)
- A disagreement between an instructor and a learner about course content
- A lack of prior knowledge that makes new material confusing
Correct answer: A triggering event that causes learners to question their existing frame of reference
A disorienting dilemma is a crisis or life event that challenges a learner's existing worldview and initiates the process of perspective transformation.
Question 2: Which concept best describes Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) as applied to adult education?
- The maximum amount of content an adult can memorize in one session
- The gap between what a learner can do independently and what they can do with guidance (Correct answer)
- The physical space in a classroom most conducive to adult learning
- The developmental stage at which adults reach peak cognitive ability
Correct answer: The gap between what a learner can do independently and what they can do with guidance
The ZPD represents the range of tasks a learner cannot yet do alone but can accomplish with instructor or peer support, guiding instructional scaffolding.
Question 3: Carl Rogers' humanistic approach to adult education emphasizes which of the following?
- Strict behavioral objectives and measurable outcomes
- Teacher-centered delivery of standardized content
- Learner-centered facilitation and self-actualization (Correct answer)
- Repetitive drill and practice to reinforce core competencies
Correct answer: Learner-centered facilitation and self-actualization
Rogers advocated for learner-centered education where the facilitator creates conditions for self-directed growth and self-actualization rather than directing instruction.
Question 4: According to Tough's self-directed learning research, what percentage of adult learning projects are planned by the learner themselves?
- About 10%
- About 30%
- About 50%
- About 70% (Correct answer)
Correct answer: About 70%
Tough's research found that approximately 70% of adult learning projects are self-planned, highlighting adults' natural inclination toward self-direction.
Question 5: Which learning theory posits that adults learn best when they can immediately apply new knowledge to solve real-life problems?
- Behaviorism
- Cognitivism
- Andragogy (Correct answer)
- Constructivism
Correct answer: Andragogy
Knowles' andragogy emphasizes problem-centered orientation, meaning adults are motivated to learn when content directly applies to real-life challenges they face.
Question 6: In Bandura's Social Learning Theory, which factor is most critical for an adult learner to attempt a new behavior?
- External reward provided by the instructor
- Self-efficacy, or belief in one's own ability to succeed (Correct answer)
- The presence of a competitive peer group
- A highly structured and predictable learning environment
Correct answer: Self-efficacy, or belief in one's own ability to succeed
Bandura identified self-efficacy as the key determinant of whether learners will attempt, persist in, and succeed at new behaviors.
Question 7: Which instructional approach aligns most closely with Experiential Learning Theory's 'active experimentation' stage?
- Listening to a lecture on a new concept
- Reading a case study and taking notes
- Applying a learned skill in a simulation or real-world setting (Correct answer)
- Reflecting in a journal about a past learning experience
Correct answer: Applying a learned skill in a simulation or real-world setting
Active experimentation in Kolb's cycle involves testing concepts and trying out new behaviors in practical situations, such as simulations or on-the-job application.
CAE Adult Learning Theories & Principles 2
In Mezirow's Transformative Learning theory, what is a 'disorienting dilemma'?