LEARNING LIKE AN ADULT: DO IT RIGHT PLEASE AND THERE IS NO “OR”
By: Aly Diana
Recently, I had the opportunity to revisit the principles of andragogy. While these principles are theoretically sound, applying them in practice is challenging. This brief summary serves as a reminder of the importance of applying adult learning principles in our interactions with adults, including students, community members, and patients. We often default to traditional teaching methods, neglecting the necessity for adult-centered learning approaches in our communication.
Key theories include Knowles’ andragogy, which emphasizes learner autonomy, experience-based learning, and problem-solving; Mezirow’s transformational learning, focusing on critical reflection and perspective transformation; and Brookfield’s self-directed learning, highlighting the learner’s control over their educational journey. Applying these theories in medical education involves creating learning environments that foster autonomy and critical thinking. This means moving beyond traditional didactic methods to interactive, problem-based approaches that leverage learners’ extensive clinical and research experiences. For example, integrating real-world scenarios in teaching reflects the dynamic and complex decision-making processes in medical practice, aligning with Knowles’ assertion that adults learn best when the content is relevant to their professional lives.
Transformational learning is particularly relevant in an era of rapidly evolving medical knowledge. Encouraging professionals to critically analyze and reflect on their beliefs and experiences promotes adaptability and resilience, essential for navigating the challenges of medical research and patient care. Furthermore, fostering a culture of self-directed learning empowers medical professionals to take charge of their learning, aligning with Brookfield’s assertion that adults are capable of, and benefit from, directing their own learning. This approach not only enhances engagement but also ensures continuous professional development, crucial in a field where lifelong learning is vital.
Integrating adult learning involves unique challenges. One major challenge is transitioning from the traditional role of an information provider to a facilitator of learning. This shift requires educators to adopt methods that foster critical thinking and self-directed learning, which may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable for those accustomed to traditional didactic teaching.
Another challenge lies in aligning educational strategies with the varied experiences and expertise levels of adult learners. Medical learners bring diverse clinical experiences and specialties, necessitating tailored teaching approaches. Similarly, adult learners from the community contribute their unique experiences, while patients introduce their personal attributes and habits, adding further dimensions to the learning process. Each group’s distinct background requires educators to adapt and innovate in their teaching methods to effectively communicate new information and concepts.
Furthermore, as educators, we often face time constraints and workload pressures, making it difficult to devote time to developing and implementing innovative educational strategies. Balancing clinical, research, and teaching responsibilities while also keeping up with advancements in both medical science and educational theory is a significant task.
Overall, while adult learning theories provide a robust framework for enhancing medical education, their practical implementation by medical professionals as educators requires overcoming challenges related to role adaptation, learner diversity, and time management. Addressing these challenges is essential for the effective application of adult learning principles in medical education. Although we have shifted from traditional to adult learning theory, one thing remains constant: practice makes perfect.
Reference
- Horii CV. Teaching insights from adult learning theory. J Vet Med Educ. 2007 Fall;34 (4):369-76. doi: 10.3138/jvme.34.4.369. PMID: 18287460.
- Mukhalalati BA, Taylor A. Adult Learning The-ories in Context: A Quick Guide for Healthcare Professional Educators. J Med Educ Curric Dev. 2019 Apr 10;6:2382120519840332. doi: 10.1177/2382120519840332. PMID: 31008257; PMCID: PMC6458658.
- Palis AG, Quiros PA. Adult learning principles and presentation pearls. Middle East Afr J Ophthalmol. 2014 Apr-Jun;21(2):114-22. doi: 10.4103/0974-9233.129748. PMID: 24791101; PMCID: PMC4005174.
- Reed S, Shell R, Kassis K, Tartaglia K, Wallihan R, Smith K, Hurtubise L, Martin B, Ledford C, Bradbury S, Bernstein HH, Mahan JD. Applying adult learning practices in medical education. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care. 2014 J u l ; 4 4 ( 6 ) : 1 7 0 – 8 1 . d o i : 1 0 . 1 0 1 6 /j. cppeds.2014.01.008. PMID: 24981666.
If not for Baba Powers what would my life turn out to be? I want you all to please contact Baba Powers now to get the powerful black mirror from him. I want you all to also BELIEVE AND TRUST HIM because whatever he tells you is the TRUTH and 100% guaranteed. The black mirror makes it happen, attracts abundance. I bought the black mirror from Baba Powers and now, I am super rich and successful with the help of the black mirror. When I first saw the testimonies of Baba Powers of the black mirror, I thought it was a joke but I contacted him to be sure for myself and to my greatest surprise, the black mirror is real. The black mirror is powerful. Check him out on his website to see plenty of amazing testimonies from people about him. These are some of the people that he has helped. Here is his website; Babablackmirrorsofpowers.blogspot.com and here is his email; Babablackmirrors@gmail.com I really can’t thank you enough Baba Powers. God bless you, thank you
ReplyIf not for Baba Powers what would my life turn out to be? I want you all to please contact Baba Powers now to get the powerful black mirror from him. I want you all to also BELIEVE AND TRUST HIM because whatever he tells you is the TRUTH and 100% guaranteed. The black mirror makes it happen, attracts abundance. I bought the black mirror from Baba Powers and now, I am super rich and successful with the help of the black mirror. When I first saw the testimonies of Baba Powers of the black mirror, I thought it was a joke but I contacted him to be sure for myself and to my greatest surprise, the black mirror is real. The black mirror is powerful. Check him out on his website to see plenty of amazing testimonies from people about him. These are some of the people that he has helped. Here is his website; Babablackmirrorsofpowers.blogspot.com and here is his email; Babablackmirrors@gmail.com I really can’t thank you enough Baba Powers. God bless you, thank you
ReplyMy name is Hailey Garcia and I am from New Jersey. My herpes virus turned to war after 2 years of living with it. I have tried different medical procedures to cure my herpes but to no avail. Most people think herpes is only a minor skin irritation of which herpes has long term effects on health and passes through the bloodstream and can be easily contracted through sexual intercourse. I knew I had herpes from the first day I started feeling itchy in my pubic area and the pain was very unbearable. I couldn’t stand it anymore. After 2 years of trying other means to get rid of it, I had to contact Doctor Odunga to help me with a permanent cure. I saw his email and whats-app number from a testimony I read online from a lady who was also helped by him in curing infertility problems, I had faith and contacted him. He assured me of his work and I ordered his herbal medicine. Within 5 days, I didn’t feel any pain anymore and within 2 weeks, my skin was all cleared and smooth. I am very grateful to you sir and I write this testimony as others have done to bring those having faith to you sir. If you have herpes or other similar disease and you want it cured, kindly contact Doctor Odunga, Whats-App (wa.me/+2348167159012) OR Email odungaspelltemple@gmail.com
Reply