Initial Thoughts

Part 1: Consider the following and record your thoughts In your Andragogy Hub Journal.

Much like Shana, Gabriel and Sam, many adults may encounter challenges and barriers to learning. Adult learners need space in which they can share their experience and insights. The New England Institute of Technology (2024) suggests that cooperative learning requires groups of two or more which allows for sharing and collaboration. In applying Adult Learning Theory, educators employ cooperative and collaborative strategies. Let's focus in on Gabriel and take a deeper look at his barriers and perceptions.

If Gabriel is not a part of a collaborative environment, what potential effects do you see this having on him as an adult learner?
What strategies would you put into place to address the barriers and challenges that Gabriel faces?

Part 2: Consider the following and record your thoughts In your Andragogy Hub Journal.

Now, let's think about the students Gabriel represents in term of demographics. Gabriel exhibits apprehension to collaborative participation in the learning environment. The Journal of Affective Disorders Reports (2023) expressed an alarming increase in the pervasiveness of anxiety among adult learners over recent years. The reports also argued that it is one of the most critical concerns since its implications extend towards academic performance.

According to the National Educators Association, two-thirds of White, Black, Hispanic and Asian college students report mental health issues. They also asserted that there are disparities in the frequency of students’ access to mental health care, with White students seeking treatment at twice the rates as Black and Asian students. A survey published in 2018 by the Association for University and College Counseling Directors reported that 72% of college counselors are White and only 11% are black.

Consider all the complications that teachers encounter when trying to apply Principles of Adult Learning Theory to the instruction of students with an aversion to social interaction.
Think of and describe a time when you felt that your identity may exclude you from getting appropriate support or being engaged in a learning community.

Part 3: Consider the following and record your thoughts In your Andragogy Hub Journal.

Now let’s take a closer look at Sam, who expressed that she was insecure and scared to take the course, since English was not her first language. In a study published in the Journal of Second Language Writing (Finn, 2018), researchers found that when asking ESL student who were repeating a writing class due to course failure, students had trouble attributing there struggles to a single cause and were rarely able to articulate their challenges.

If Sam is not able to describe the cause for her lack of confidence with writing and English, what potential effects do you see this having on her as an adult learner?
What strategies would you put into place to address barriers and challenges that Sam faces?

Part 4: Consider the following and record your thoughts In your Andragogy Hub Journal.

Now let’s zero in on Shana, who expressed a fear of failure due to past experiences with English that were causing her to want unenroll in the course. In a study of student anxiety and perceptions, Lin et al., (2016) reach findings that suggested instructors' communications can be adapted in order to positively influence motivation and directly impact anxiety.

If Shana continues in the course with a fear of failure, what potential effects do you see this having on her as an adult learner?
What strategies would you put in place to address barriers and challenges that Shana faces?

As you proceed through this Professional Learning Module, remember Gabriel, Sam and Shana. Think about how you would approach each situation and provide learner-centered instruction and implement strategies best suited for Adult Learners.

In the next section, we will explore foundational theorists and theories which highlight the similarities and differences in the learning styles of children and adults.

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