Learning Objectives
- [1]Compare and contrast the principles of major theories of learning and cognition and how they relate to adult learners.
- [2]Explain the development of cognitive processes throughout adulthood.
Key Takeaways
- Students will gain a general understanding of the various developmental theories
- Students will use this understanding to define their own thoughts on development
The 4 Adult Development Theories
- The Behavioral / Mechanistic Approach
- Instruction created to prompt a certain behavior
- Behavior in response to stimuli (positive reinforcement)
- Teachers provide opportunity for practice and give grades, prizes, or praise for reinforcement
- The Psychological / Cognitive Approach
- Focuses on an individual’s “internal developmental processes” [1]
- Learning is based on life experiences, so development is different for each individual
- Gould’s Stage/Phase model – Gould identifies four false assumptions that must be overcome in order to move through life:
- Age 16 – 22: “I will always live and believe in my parents world”
- Age 22 – 28: “Doing things my parents’ way will bring results and if it becomes to difficult my parents will step in and show me the way”
- Age 28 – 34: “Life is simple and controllable”
- Age 34 – 45: “There is no evil or death in the world. The sinister has been destroyed” [2]
- Instruction should encourage thoughtful reflection & discussion, and students should be receptive to new ideas and be open to learning through others’ perspectives
Click here to review Perry’s Developmental Scheme
Erikson’s Psycho-Social Development model
For more information on Erikson’s theory read chapter 8 in Educational Learning Theories
Levinson’s Age-Graded Model
For more information on Levinson’s model click here.
Piaget’s Stages of Development Model
For more information on Piaget’s model read chapter 2 in Educational Learning Theories
- The Contextual / Sociocultural Approach
- Learning is influenced by society and culture
- Sociocultural development can be affected by race, gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, and norms within society
- Educators need to encourage cultural awareness and respect in the classroom
Vygotsky’s Social Cultural Learning
For more information on Vygotsky’s theory read chapter 4 in Educational Learning Theories
- Integrated Approach
- Holistic approach to teaching and learning
- Encompasses social, cultural, life experience
