Theories of Adult Development | Origin: ED208
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Adult Learning Theories --> Theories of Adult Development
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
I believe that each developmental theory is helpful when looking into adult learning. Overall, it's important to be mindful in regards to what our adult learner is experiencing in their current life stage. We can speculate through models and theories, however, I believe it would be best just to talk and build rapport with them in order to get to know them at a personal level.
I have gained that self direction, transformation ,experience, mentorship, mental orientation and readiness to learn , can posively impact adult learning experiences both in the classroom and on the job.
A person's motivation is affected by their psychosocial development which can be described in 3 different ways:
-Erikson - 8 psychosocial stages of crises versus victories
-Levinson - a greater sense of individualization is achieved during each chronological age
-Havighurst - a person's development is influenced by a series of develpmental tasks which a person needs to achieve/complete at a certain age
There are different stages of development in thehuman growth cycle. And we ned to be aware of what stage our students are. This could help us understand their attitudes towards their education.
It's interesting to view adult developmental stages as I, myself, get older and am forced to deal with changes in my own life. These theorists provide meaning and context, not only for my students, but for myself personally.
The three different views of development are very good when looking into adult learning.
Theies of development include those of Erikson, Havighurst and Levinson and vary in focus. Whether looking at age or stage of life, lends itsellf to a premise of why adults behave in the way they do based on how they developed.
I find Daniel Levinson's theory to be very interesting because as we mature we look at things differently due to life experiences so decisions we make are well informed. I am also curious to see if there is recent research that has changed some of these theories.
I have heard of differnt proposed stages of development. I alwasy took from them that no one is ever "done" developing, they are all at differing stages. Yet overall they all share a similar arc of achiveing autonomy and buoiding your own set of relationships and beliefs.
A very unique set of approaches to adult learning and human development. I'd argue that each has merit, and it's likely a combination of all the theories that describe human development. I'd be curious to see if there's research that has change some of these theories, specifically Havighurst's. There's quite a difference in some of the stages as society has evolved that I definitely see in my students. I'd be interested in surveying modern students and upcoming generations as to what they'd view as age in relation to completing developmental tasks and what they'd look like.
I enjoyed learning the 3 theories and how we as instructors can utilize the information given to us to guide adult learners to better themselves whether they are looking to advance in their careers or make a change in careers.
Havighurst theories - of the three shared with us, I least relate to his theories and find his stages to be too consertive in nature e.g. 'select a partner', start a family' - I also think his timeline is dated. There are more options and what is expected is not as rigid within each age timeframe.
The different stages presented in the 3 theories are simply to me different view of prececption of what as we grow our goals might be. This achivements can be scored or completed via time set, age goal settings or life goals as we age. In general are stages that in multiple ways can be use to identify accomplishments by the individual..
I am quite familiar with Erikson's work, but have not studied the work of Levinson or Havighurst as much. As an instructor, it may help to understand what stages of life and human development our students are in, as well as what stage we are in, to better understand and accommodate to the pressing needs and issues of our students and improve the learning experience and their chance to succeed with their education.
I have seen these theories of adult development before. I do enjoy the perspectives, but also I see a great need for them to be updated due to different societal expectations. Marriage and family are not alway a priority, and there are other definitions of family to be explored. I think that the most important thing to do with your students is ask questions to find out what their current motivation is based on thier personal life experiences. The age ranges are completely different for many students when you consider that some may serve in the military, moving the retirement of the student up considerably, but delaying family and marriage (if they desire).
For me , the scariest age level of an adult is 60-65 and above. Some people are afraid of " DEATH ". They worried too much about what the future will be, such as : Who will take care of me when I'm not able to care for myself? and so on and so forth.
The learning of adullt students various at their age. Accoording to the module us as instructors can guide students based on the learning perspective of the life cycle of each student.
Learning is continuous and lookng at different individuals learning perspective. It is great to put other experience in your toolshed to complement your learning and teaching style.
I've learned that adult learners may enter the educational facility at different stages depending on where they are in life. Some may whant to increase knowlage to help promote there careers, and others may whant to change careers. Some may just whant to increase there income, and others to educate themselves for a hobby or passion for something.
