Theories and Factors Affecting Adult Learning
Cynthia Petty
MTTC
Fall 2006
Factors
Characteristics that will impact learning
Description
 Advantage + or Constraint - Ideas for Maximizing Advantage or Minimizing Contraints
Age 25-50 + Draw from experience of others
Teaching Experience 3-20 years + Shared experiences
Skill Level early-high + Peers can help each other
Sex Distribution 4 m, 4 f + Differing viewpoints
Racial, Ethnic Diversity 4 w, 2 h, 2 b + Diversity in ideas
Educational Level B. S. + + Education will help in problem solving
Disability or Impairment Eyesight, limited dexterity - Seating priorities, extra time
Developmentally Appropriate yes + Appropriate for educators
Prerequisite Knowledge

works well in groups, some technology ability

+ Group dynamic to encourage participation
Related Experience Make "personal" for educators + Immediacy will encourage interest
Perception of Role as Student Part of the group, able to help others if necessary + Educators like to help/share ideas
Motivation for Learning Why learn this? + Activity will help them plan and assess
Attitude Toward Subject Most are excited about creating assessment opportunities + Share goals among educators
Expectations from Course To become proficient planning TEKS based assessments + Will keep teachers goal oriented
Competiveness low + Educators will share ideas so all can experience success
Stage of Integration Proficiency in integrating into classroom + All levels will be able to be successful
Environmental Factors that will impact learning
Description
 Advantage or Constraint Ideas
Design and Production
Materials Required computer lab, internet access, lcd projector + Lesson will take advantage of available resources;materials and equipment available for classroom use
Production Equipment Available projector, lab computers, software + Lesson will take advantage of available resources; materials and equipment available for classroom use.
Time for Design and Production 90 minutes + Time alloted during team planning time
Department Technology Requirements none noted + none
Implementation
Class size 8 +
Class Period Length 90 minutes + Time alloted during team planning time
Location lab + School computer lab
Seating Arrangement Decided by adult learners + Group size will be good for collaboration
Lighting usual lighting + Light will be conducive to learning
Temperature usual + Lab temperature will be conducive to learning
Noise usual collaborative + Instructor will issue reminders if necessary, noise will not be restricted unnecessarily
Equipment 26 lab computers, projector + Extra computers in case we have a crash
Technology Support Instructional Technology Specialist + Available for extra help if needed
Outcome
State Requirements SBEC standards, TEKS + SBEC and TEKS will guide learning
Employer Needs Focus on TEKS benchmarks and assessments to increase scores + Follow the TEKS when planning lessons
Co-worker Needs lab sharing - Arrange with co-workers in advance for entire 90 minute block
Student Needs Success with activities + Teacher learners will achieve success with new information
Content analysis of topics to be addressed
Main Topics
Sub-Topics
Readiness to Learn
Degree of Difficulty
Possible Instructional Strategies
Use assessment tools to create TEKS driven assessment for classroom use.

Determine TEKS to be tested.

Make connections to classroom assessment

Easy

 

Moderate
Collaborative learning, Demonstration


Use critical thinking to make informed decisions

Develop assessments using TEKS disaggregation information to guide creation

Use previously disaggregated data to plan Moderate to hard

Peer coaching

Metacognition
Use self-assessment to evaluate adult learning

Complete survey to assess self learning at end of lesson.

Basic Computer skills Imagined-Easy
Real-Moderate (Amount of planning is often underestimated)

Summary/closure