PSI PSI Adult Learning Theories & Andragogy 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which theorist is most associated with andragogy, the study of how adults learn?
- Malcolm Knowles (Correct answer)
- Benjamin Bloom
- Jean Piaget
- John Dewey
Correct answer: Malcolm Knowles
Malcolm Knowles developed the theory of andragogy, which distinguishes adult learning from pedagogical (child-centered) approaches.
Question 2: According to andragogical principles, adult learners are primarily motivated by which of the following?
- External rewards and grades
- Internal motivation and relevance to real-life tasks (Correct answer)
- Fear of failure
- Instructor approval
Correct answer: Internal motivation and relevance to real-life tasks
Adults are internally motivated and learn best when content is immediately applicable to their real-world responsibilities.
Question 3: A PSI instructor designing a course for adult firefighters should prioritize which learning approach?
- Rote memorization of codes
- Problem-centered, experience-based instruction (Correct answer)
- Passive lecture-only delivery
- Standardized testing only
Correct answer: Problem-centered, experience-based instruction
Adult learners in public safety benefit most from problem-centered instruction that draws on their existing professional experience.
Question 4: Which adult learning principle states that learners need to know WHY they are learning something before they engage?
- Self-concept
- Readiness to learn
- Need to know (Correct answer)
- Orientation to learning
Correct answer: Need to know
Knowles' 'need to know' principle holds that adults must understand the purpose and value of instruction before they will fully engage.
Question 5: Experiential learning theory, developed by David Kolb, suggests that learning is most effective when it involves which cycle?
- Lecture → Test → Review → Reteach
- Concrete experience → Reflection → Abstract conceptualization → Active experimentation (Correct answer)
- Read → Memorize → Recall → Apply
- Observe → Copy → Practice → Certify
Correct answer: Concrete experience → Reflection → Abstract conceptualization → Active experimentation
Kolb's model describes learning as a four-stage cycle moving from concrete experience through reflection and conceptualization to active experimentation.
Question 6: When a public safety instructor asks trainees to reflect on a recent drill before introducing new concepts, this best demonstrates which principle?
- Behaviorism
- Using prior experience as a learning resource (Correct answer)
- Passive knowledge transfer
- Summative assessment
Correct answer: Using prior experience as a learning resource
Connecting new instruction to learners' prior experiences is a core andragogical strategy that increases retention and engagement.
PSI PSI Adult Learning Theories & Andragogy 1
Which theorist is most associated with andragogy, the study of how adults learn?