MTS Adult Learning Theory & Andragogy 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to Knowles, which assumption distinguishes andragogy from pedagogy regarding a learner's self-concept?
- Adults prefer instructor-directed learning
- Adults move toward self-direction as they mature (Correct answer)
- Adults learn best through memorization
- Adults require external motivation exclusively
Correct answer: Adults move toward self-direction as they mature
Knowles identified that as people mature, their self-concept shifts from dependency to increasing self-directedness.
Question 2: In Mezirow's Transformative Learning theory, 'perspective transformation' is best described as:
- Acquiring new factual knowledge
- A fundamental shift in one's frame of reference or worldview (Correct answer)
- Memorizing procedural steps for a new task
- Transferring skills from one job to another
Correct answer: A fundamental shift in one's frame of reference or worldview
Mezirow's perspective transformation involves a deep restructuring of the assumptions and beliefs through which adults interpret experience.
Question 3: Which learning style descriptor is associated with Kolb's 'Diverging' learner?
- Prefers abstract concepts and logical analysis
- Excels at hands-on experimentation
- Strong in imagination and brainstorming, views situations from multiple perspectives (Correct answer)
- Focuses on practical application of ideas
Correct answer: Strong in imagination and brainstorming, views situations from multiple perspectives
Kolb's Diverging learners combine concrete experience with reflective observation, making them imaginative and good at generating ideas.
Question 4: A Master Training Specialist notices trainees disengage during lectures. Applying Knowles' andragogical model, the BEST corrective action is to:
- Increase lecture pace to cover more material
- Replace lectures with purely self-study modules
- Incorporate problem-centered activities tied to trainees' real-world roles (Correct answer)
- Administer more frequent quizzes to maintain attention
Correct answer: Incorporate problem-centered activities tied to trainees' real-world roles
Knowles emphasized that adults are problem-centered learners who engage when content is immediately applicable to their lives and work.
Question 5: Carl Rogers' concept of 'experiential learning' in adult education emphasizes:
- Passive absorption of instructor-delivered content
- Significant personal involvement and self-initiated, self-evaluated learning (Correct answer)
- Strict adherence to a prescribed curriculum
- Learning driven primarily by external rewards
Correct answer: Significant personal involvement and self-initiated, self-evaluated learning
Rogers believed meaningful learning engages the whole person and is self-initiated, personally relevant, and evaluated by the learner.
Question 6: The concept of 'readiness to learn' in andragogy suggests that adults are most motivated to learn when:
- They are told by an authority figure that training is mandatory
- The content aligns with a developmental task or life challenge they currently face (Correct answer)
- Training is scheduled at the start of a new assignment
- They have completed all prerequisite courses
Correct answer: The content aligns with a developmental task or life challenge they currently face
Knowles proposed that adults become ready to learn when they need to know something to cope effectively with a real-life situation.
Question 7: Which of the following BEST illustrates the andragogical principle of 'orientation to learning'?
- A trainer delivers content sequentially based on a published syllabus
- Trainees study theory before any application exercise
- Training is structured around solving authentic job-related problems rather than academic subjects (Correct answer)
- Learners must pass a pre-test before accessing course material
Correct answer: Training is structured around solving authentic job-related problems rather than academic subjects
Andragogy holds that adults are problem- or life-centered in their orientation, meaning training organized around real problems is more effective than subject-centered delivery.
MTS Adult Learning Theory & Andragogy 2
According to Knowles, which assumption distinguishes andragogy from pedagogy regarding a learner's self-concept?