TS Adult Learning Principles & Theory 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Malcolm Knowles' theory of andragogy is based on the core assumption that adult learners are primarily:
- Dependent on instructors for learning direction
- Self-directed in their approach to learning (Correct answer)
- Motivated solely by external rewards
- Less capable of abstract thinking than children
Correct answer: Self-directed in their approach to learning
Andragogy holds that adults are self-directed learners who take responsibility for their own learning goals and processes.
Question 2: Which of Knowles' andragogical assumptions states that adults bring a rich reservoir that serves as a primary resource for learning?
- Readiness to learn
- Self-concept as a learner
- Experience (Correct answer)
- Orientation to learning
Correct answer: Experience
Knowles' third assumption is that adults accumulate life and work experience that becomes an increasing and valued resource for learning.
Question 3: In adult learning theory, an adult's 'readiness to learn' is most often tied to:
- Chronological age and cognitive development stages
- The desire to earn academic credentials
- Developmental tasks related to their current social roles (Correct answer)
- Instructor-paced curriculum progression
Correct answer: Developmental tasks related to their current social roles
Adults become ready to learn things they need to know to cope effectively with real-life situations related to their evolving social roles.
Question 4: According to David Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory, which sequence correctly describes the four-stage learning cycle?
- Abstract Conceptualization → Active Experimentation → Concrete Experience → Reflective Observation
- Concrete Experience → Reflective Observation → Abstract Conceptualization → Active Experimentation (Correct answer)
- Reflective Observation → Concrete Experience → Active Experimentation → Abstract Conceptualization
- Active Experimentation → Abstract Conceptualization → Reflective Observation → Concrete Experience
Correct answer: Concrete Experience → Reflective Observation → Abstract Conceptualization → Active Experimentation
Kolb's cycle begins with a Concrete Experience, moves to Reflective Observation, then Abstract Conceptualization, and concludes with Active Experimentation.
Question 5: Jack Mezirow's Transformative Learning Theory emphasizes that profound adult learning occurs through:
- Repeated drill and practice of foundational skills
- Critical reflection on and revision of one's frames of reference and assumptions (Correct answer)
- Passive absorption of expert-delivered content
- Incremental accumulation of factual knowledge over time
Correct answer: Critical reflection on and revision of one's frames of reference and assumptions
Mezirow's theory centers on transforming frames of reference through critical reflection, leading to perspective transformation and changed worldviews.
Question 6: Which motivational theory explicitly distinguishes between intrinsic motivation (doing something for its own sake) and extrinsic motivation (doing something for a reward)?
- Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
- Self-Determination Theory (Correct answer)
- Expectancy Theory
- Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory
Correct answer: Self-Determination Theory
Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan) explicitly distinguishes intrinsic from extrinsic motivation and examines how each affects learning quality and persistence.
Question 7: The 'teachable moment' concept in adult learning refers to:
- A specific time of day when adults learn most effectively due to circadian rhythms
- A point when a learner is developmentally ready and intrinsically motivated to learn (Correct answer)
- A structured instructional segment in a formal classroom setting
- The moment an instructor demonstrates a new skill using modeling
Correct answer: A point when a learner is developmentally ready and intrinsically motivated to learn
A teachable moment occurs when a learner is naturally receptive and motivated to learn, typically triggered by a life event, role transition, or felt need.
TS Adult Learning Principles & Theory 1
Malcolm Knowles' theory of andragogy is based on the core assumption that adult learners are primarily: