Learning Theory in Adult and Vocational Education

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Abstract

This subject explores the key learning theories which underpin teaching and learning within adult and vocational education and training practice. The emphasis is on understanding that learning theories help teachers reflect on their practice and incorporate relevant aspects of the theories into their teaching and the teaching approaches utilised in their organisation in order to improve students' learning experiences. The subject explores key individual and developmental theories of learning and examines how these theories are embedded in our understanding of learning and adult learners in post-compulsory education. Finally, the subject uses different forms of learning as a lens for shaping practice, and how this considers student needs, motivation and learning abilities by tracing these concepts back to different learning theories and educational philosophies of students and teachers.

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics: Module 1: What is Learning? 1.1 What is Learning?1.1.1 What is a Theory?1.2 Understanding Learning Module 2: Major Theories of Learning 2.1 Learning Theories2.1.1 How does the study of Learning Theories help us?2.2 Andragogy and Adult Learners2.2.1 Knowles, Principles of Adult Learning2.3 Major … For more content click the Read More button below. Module 3: Theory Informed Teaching 3.1 Performative Learning3.1.1 Teacher-Centred Models3.1.2 Learner-Centred Models3.1.3 Vocational Learning3.2 Situated Learning3.3 Problem-Based Learning3.4 Work-based Learning3.5 Approaches to Learning and Teaching3.5.1 Meeting Student Learning Needs3.5.2 Learning Needs3.5.3 Motivation3.5.4 Preferred Learning Styles

The subject will cover the following topics:

Module 1: What is Learning?

1.1 What is Learning?
1.1.1 What is a Theory?
1.2 Understanding Learning

Module 2: Major Theories of Learning

2.1 Learning Theories
2.1.1 How does the study of Learning Theories help us?
2.2 Andragogy and Adult Learners
2.2.1 Knowles, Principles of Adult Learning
2.3 Major Learning Theories
2.3.1 Behaviourism
2.3.2 Cognitivism
2.3.3 Constructivism
2.3.4 Humanism
2.4 Further Theories of Learning
2.4.1 Cognitive Constructivism
2.4.2 Social Constructivism
2.4.3 Experiential Learning
2.4.4 Transformative Learning
2.5 Notable Learning Theorists/Theories

Module 3: Theory Informed Teaching

3.1 Performative Learning
3.1.1 Teacher-Centred Models
3.1.2 Learner-Centred Models
3.1.3 Vocational Learning
3.2 Situated Learning
3.3 Problem-Based Learning
3.4 Work-based Learning
3.5 Approaches to Learning and Teaching
3.5.1 Meeting Student Learning Needs
3.5.2 Learning Needs
3.5.3 Motivation
3.5.4 Preferred Learning Styles

Assessment items

1. Applying adult learning theories to AVET

2. Theory Informed teaching and learning approaches

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to critically analyse the key learning theories of adult and vocational education;

be able to analyse the varied approaches to learning and workplace practice;

be able to evaluate the importance of the context in shaping our learning;

be able to recognise the situated and social nature of learning and the conditions which maximise or impede learning;

be able to analyse theoretical concepts of learning in the light of their own educational practice; and

be able to apply their theoretical understanding of adult learning theories to adapt their professional practice and influence the educational practices of others.

Enrolment restrictions

This subject is only available to students enrolled in the:

Graduate Certificate in Adult and Vocational Education

Graduate Diploma of Adult and Vocational Education

Master of Adult and Vocational Education

Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education

Incompatible

Learning resources

Additional resources required by students

Prescribed text is Merriam, S. and Bierema, L. (2014), Adult learning: Linking theory and practice, Jossey Bass.