Adult learners : knowledge and use of learning styles
Date
1995
Authors
Worthen, Natalie
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1995
Abstract
In the realm of adult education it is imperative that the responsibility for learning
be relinquished to the learners so that they, in turn, can become effective in
initiating continued learning. One way to accomplish this is to make adults
more aware of their learning strengths and weaknesses in terms of their
personal learning styles and how to adapt these styles to new situations. This
information will make learners more comfortable and thus less frustrated in the
different learning situations in which they find themselves.
The intent of this project was threefold:
1) To prepare instructional materials that would enable students to identify their
learning style (using Richard Rancourt's K.A.M.I., 1988); to organize and
adapt incoming information according to their preferred style; and to
maximize learning effectiveness in any setting through an awareness of
other styles and to be able to function at least marginally within them.
2) To pilot the materials as part of a voluntary workshop.
3) To determine through participant feedback the effectiveness of the materials
and presentation.
The materials were piloted with a group of Lethbridge Community College
upgrading students in the winter of 1995 through an informal workshop format.
Feedback, in the form of participant journals and a concluding questionnaire,
indicated that providing this learning style information to students was
instrumental in increasing their feelings of responsibility for the learning
process. A structured less formal presentation was preferred and it was
suggested that the workshops should occur within a more condensed period or
else be integrated into already existing courses. The project results indicated
that students benefited from the materials and appreciated the form of
presentation.
Description
103 leaves ; 29 cm. --
Keywords
Adult education , Adult learning , Learning, Psychology of , Adult education -- Psychological aspects