CLC Adult Learning & Development Theory

Question 1

Malcolm Knowles coined the term 'andragogy' to distinguish how adults learn from how children learn. Which of the following is a core assumption of andragogy?

Accepted Answer

Adults bring a rich reservoir of experience that serves as a primary learning resource

Answer

Adults prefer to receive content in a structured, teacher-directed sequence

Answer

Adults are motivated primarily by external rewards such as grades and credentials

Answer

Adults learn best when content is organized by subject-matter discipline

Question 2

David Kolb's Experiential Learning Cycle describes learning as a four-stage loop. A leadership coach who asks a client to reflect on what happened in a recent difficult conversation is engaging the client in which stage?

Accepted Answer

Reflective observation

Answer

Active experimentation

Answer

Abstract conceptualization

Answer

Concrete experience

Question 3

Robert Kegan's constructive-developmental theory describes adults as moving through qualitatively different 'orders of mind.' A leader who can step back from their own values and examine them critically — rather than being governed by them unconsciously — is operating at which order?

Accepted Answer

Third order (Self-Authoring Mind)

Answer

Second order (Socialized Mind)

Answer

Fourth order (Self-Transforming Mind)

Answer

First order (Impulsive Mind)

Question 4

Jack Mezirow's Transformative Learning Theory describes a specific type of deep change that coaching can facilitate. What triggers a transformative learning experience?

Accepted Answer

A disorienting dilemma that challenges existing frames of reference

Answer

Receiving positive reinforcement for new behaviors

Answer

Acquiring new technical skills through repeated practice

Answer

Completing a formal education program aligned to career goals

Question 5

A coaching client learns best by jumping into new tasks, trying things out, and drawing conclusions from the results rather than reading theory first. According to Honey and Mumford's learning styles model, this client is BEST described as:

Accepted Answer

An Activist

Answer

A Reflector

Answer

A Theorist

Answer

A Pragmatist

Question 6

Which principle from adult learning theory most directly supports a coaching approach of using open-ended questions rather than providing advice?

Accepted Answer

Adults are internally motivated and self-directed in their learning

Answer

Adults learn best through visual aids and structured curricula

Answer

Adults require immediate feedback to correct errors in real time

Answer

Adults retain more information when content is delivered in short modules