Professional Documents
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Feax Practical-Research 2nd-Sem
Feax Practical-Research 2nd-Sem
CHAPTER 1
THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE
INTRODUCTION
Adult learning is a complex process that involves various factors that contribute to
the successful acquisition of knowledge and skills among adults (Merriam & Bierema,
2014). It is essential to understand the concept of adult learning to design effective and
efficient programs and interventions that cater to the unique needs and preferences of
adult learners.
Adult learning is an area of study that requires attention and investigation due to its
increasing significance in the contemporary world. The challenge lies in recognizing the
unique characteristics and needs of adult learners and in creating learning opportunities
that cater to their diverse learning styles and preferences. The lack of understanding of
adult learning can lead to ineffective and inefficient teaching practices, resulting in low
characteristics, and how it differs from other forms of learning. It also seeks to explore the
different theories and models of adult learning, including the significance of adult
development, motivation, and learning styles. Additionally, this study aims to analyze the
factors that affect adult learning and the various instructional strategies that are most
The study of adult learning has gained prominence in recent years due to the
increasing number of adult learners in higher education institutions and the workplace.
According to Merriam and Bierema (2014), adult learners have unique characteristics and
preferences that differentiate them from younger learners. For instance, adult learners are
more self-directed and autonomous, have a wealth of experience, and have specific learning
Several theories and models have been developed to explain the process of adult
learning, such as the Andragogy model by Knowles (1980) and the Transformational
Learning Theory by Mezirow (2000). The Andragogy model emphasizes the importance of
Moreover, adult learners’ motivation plays a critical role in their learning process.
The Self-Determination Theory (SDT) by Deci and Ryan (2000) suggests that learners are
more motivated when their basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and
relatedness are met. This theory emphasizes the importance of creating a learning
Several instructional strategies have been found to be effective for adult learners,
According to Kolb's (1984) Experiential Learning Theory, adult learners learn best when
they engage in concrete experiences, reflect on their experiences, and apply their learning
in new situations. Additionally, adult learners benefit from collaborative learning that
allows them to share their experiences and knowledge and learn from each other.
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This chapter presented the problem and its scope of "Understanding Adult
Learning" and provided relevant citations and references that support the study. The study
of adult learning is significant due to the unique characteristics and preferences of adult
learners that require specific teaching strategies and interventions. The theories and
models of adult learning, motivation, and instructional strategies can help educators design
effective programs and interventions that cater to the diverse needs of adult learners.
the unique characteristics and preferences of adult learners. Effective programs and
interventions need to be designed to cater to the diverse needs of adult learners. The study
of adult learning has gained importance due to the increasing number of adult learners in
higher education and the workplace. Several theories and models of adult learning,
motivation, and instructional strategies have been developed to help educators design
effective programs and interventions. Ultimately, the study of adult learning is significant
because it helps educators create learning opportunities that cater to the diverse needs of
adult learners.
involves various factors such as cognitive, affective, and social aspects. Several studies have
been conducted on this topic, exploring the different theories, approaches, and practices
The andragogy theory, put out by Malcolm Knowles, is one of the most important
theories in the field of adult learning. This theory contends that adult learners require a
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different strategy for teaching and learning due to their special demands and traits that set
them apart from young learners (Knowles, 2015). The need for adult learners to participate
in the planning and evaluation of their learning, the relevance of the learning to their
personal and professional lives, and the necessity of recognizing their prior experiences
and knowledge are just a few of the six principles of andragogy that Knowles identified
(Knowles, 2010).
reconstructing them in the context of fresh experiences and viewpoints (Mezirow, 2010).
The worldview, identity, and behavior of the person can undergo a considerable change as
including experiential learning, self-directed learning, and online learning, have been
and exploration are all parts of experiential learning (Kolb, 2014). According to Brockett &
Hiemstra (2010), self-directed learning stresses the learner’s autonomy and responsibility
for their own learning process. Technology is used to give teaching and promote learning
When creating learning experiences for adult learners, it’s crucial to keep in mind a
number of adult learning concepts. Relevance, active participation, and feedback are among
them. Adult learners are inspired to learn when they can relate the material to their own
objectives and aims (Merriam, Caffarella, & Baumgartner, 2012). Because it enables
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students to actively engage with the material and apply it to their own lives, active
their progress and pinpoint areas for improvement (Knowles, Holton, & Swanson, 2014).
they may encounter in the real world (Hmelo-Silver, 2013). According to Larmer and
motivated students are more likely to participate in the learning process and to persevere
in the face of difficulties (Ryan & Deci, 2017). Because they serve as a basis for new
learning and can affect how new information is processed and understood, prior
knowledge and experience are crucial (Bransford, Brown, & Cocking, 2010). Because they
might affect how students choose to acquire and process information, learning styles are
difficulties for learners of all ages. The introduction of online learning, which enables adult
learners to access learning resources and communicate with other learners from anywhere
and at any time (Bates & Sangrà , 2011), is one of the most important technological
advancements. The National Center for Education Statistics found that the use of
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technology in adult education has increased dramatically since 2010 and is expected to do
that involves various factors such as cognitive, affective, and social aspects. The andragogy
theory and transformative learning perspective are two key frameworks that provide
valuable insights into the unique characteristics and needs of adult learners. Effective adult
learning, and experiential learning. Finally, factors such as motivation, prior knowledge and
experience, and learning styles should also be taken into account when designing and
is essential to create meaningful and impactful learning experiences that meet the diverse
Synthesis
factors such as cognitive, affective, and social aspects. Several theoretical frameworks,
including andragogy and transformative learning, provide valuable insights into the unique
characteristics and needs of adult learners. Effective adult learning experiences should
incorporate principles such as relevance, active participation, and feedback, and utilize
learning. Factors such as motivation, prior knowledge and experience, and learning styles
should also be taken into account when designing and implementing adult learning
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programs. Technology, including online learning, plays a significant role in adult learning
experiences that meet the diverse needs of adult learners in various contexts.
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THE PROBLEM
adult learners on the topic of understanding adult learning. The focus will be on selected
participants who are currently engaged in adult education programs, with the aim of
gaining insight into their perceptions and experiences. Specifically, this study seeks to
1. What are the key motivations for adults to engage in learning activities?
2. How do adult learners perceive their prior knowledge and experiences, and how
3. What are the preferred learning styles of adult learners and how do they influence
In this study, we will explore the perceptions and lived experiences of selected
investigate how adults perceive the concept of adult learning and how they have
experienced it in their lives. The findings of this study are expected to yield significant and
Students – this study can enhance students' awareness and knowledge about the
concept of adult learning, which is essential in today's fast-paced and dynamic world. By
understanding how adults learn and the unique characteristics of adult learners, students
can better appreciate the importance of lifelong learning and adapt their learning strategies
accordingly.
adult learning, enabling them to design and implement effective instructional strategies
that cater to the unique needs, motivations, and characteristics of adult learners. Teachers
who possess a deep understanding of how adults learn can develop more learner-centered
approaches that are engaging, relevant, and effective for adult learners, leading to
Parents – this study can provide parents with valuable insights into how adults
learn, which can help them better support the learning endeavors of their adult children.
Parents who understand the unique characteristics of adult learners, such as their self-
directedness, motivation, and prior experiences, can provide appropriate guidance and
encouragement, and create a supportive environment that fosters their adult children's
The School Administrator – this sutdy can enable school administrators to design
and implement effective adult education programs or initiatives within their schools or
methods that are aligned with adult learning principles. This can lead to more relevant,
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engaging, and effective educational experiences for adult learners, resulting in improved
learning outcomes.
The Department of Education (DepEd) – this study can highlight the importance
of promoting lifelong learning and continuing education among adults as part of the
national education agenda. It can emphasize the value of continuous skill development and
demands and the need for upskilling and reskilling. The Department of Education can
leverage this understanding to develop policies and programs that promote a culture of
lifelong learning among adults, fostering a more skilled and adaptable workforce.
Future Researchers - this study can serve as a valuable source of literature and
empirical evidence for future researchers who are interested in the field of adult learning.
findings related to adult learning, serving as a foundation for further research. Future
researchers can build upon the findings of this study to deepen their understanding of
This study will examine the effectiveness of various adult learning programs and
how they impact the learning outcomes of individuals. The research will focus on a variety
of sources, which can be accessed online, to gain insights into adult learning from different
perspectives. Additionally, the study will delve into the role of technology in adult learning
and how it can be used to enhance the learning experience. The findings of this study will
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provide valuable insights into adult learning, which can be used to design more effective
CHAPTER II
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Design
The research design for the qualitative study on “Understanding Adult Learning”
will involve a phenomenological approach to delve into the lived experiences, perceptions,
suitable research design for this study as it enables an in-depth exploration of the
comprehending the multifaceted factors that influence the learning process among adults.
essence of human experiences and how individuals make sense of their world. It involves
exploring the perspectives, emotions, motivations, and challenges that adult learners
encounter during their learning journey. Through phenomenology, the study aims to
capture the unique experiences and meanings attached to adult learning, including the
factors that facilitate or hinder the learning process, the strategies used by adults to
overcome challenges, and the influences of social, cultural, and contextual factors on their
learning experiences.
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Research Environment
Learning Center. The center is located on Main Street, in the heart of the city. The research
will be limited to a small group of adult learners who are currently enrolled in the center.
This will allow the researchers to collect as much data as possible regarding the learners'
Research Respondents
The researcher conducting the study on understanding adult learning will also use
informants. The researcher will select the key informants based on two criteria: 1) the
participants must have experience with adult learning during the pandemic; and 2) they
must be enrolled as adult learners in the Adult Learning Center during the academic year
2021-2022.
To ensure that the participants fully understand the nature of the study and the
purpose of their involvement, they will be required to provide their consent before
answering the interview questions posed by the researchers. Additionally, the participants
will be given the option to fill out an information data sheet if they so choose.
The purposive sampling technique will be used to select the participants for the
study. The researchers will specify the requirements for the participants to be chosen, and
in this case, the key informants will be adult learners from various backgrounds enrolled at
the Adult Learning Center. The study will involve only ten (10) participants.
Research Instrument
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The researchers conducting the study on understanding adult learning will also
employ a descriptive strategy to collect the necessary information and data from the
participants. This technique will focus on using interviews with questions that relate to the
goal of the study, which is to gain the perspectives and experiences of adult learners with
Similar to the previous study, the following materials will be used in this study as
well: an informed consent form, which will be given to the participants prior to the actual
interview; an interview guide and interview questions, which will be used in the interview
session with the participants; and, finally, a personal data sheet, which the participants
could choose to answer or not if they want their identity to remain anonymous.
The responses given by the participants will be collected and transcribed for further
operations such as data collection and interpretation. The researchers aim to gain a deeper
understanding of the adult learners' perspectives and experiences, and this descriptive
Research Procedure
Data Gathering
To obtain clearance from the authorities, the researchers studying adult learning
will create a letter of consent to perform the study at the Adult Learning Center. The
researchers will describe the study's goals and objectives in the letter.
To support the data required for this study, the researchers will establish the
required sample size and then use the purposive sampling approach to choose the exact
participants. The selected participants will be given a permission form to ensure that they
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are fully informed of the research project in which they will be participating. Before filling
out and sending the consent form to the researchers, the participants will read and
understand it thoroughly.
After that, a series of interview questions will be sent to the participants through
email, to which they will be asked to reply with complete honesty and sincerity. After
determining an available day and time for the participants, the interview will be conducted
Furthermore, once all the participants have completed their responses to the
interview questions, the researchers will gather the data. The responses to the interview
considerable assistance and provide a solid foundation for understanding the perspectives
and experiences of adult learners with respect to different teaching methods and
approaches.
Data Analysis
Similar to the previous study, the transcribed interviews and notes from the adult
learners will be subjected to content analysis and classification based on emergent themes
and patterns. The researchers will thoroughly review and analyze the data collected from
the interviews to identify common themes and patterns that emerge from the responses.
These themes and patterns will then be classified and organized to gain a deeper
process will be conducted systematically and objectively, ensuring that the findings are
reliable and accurate. Ultimately, this approach will help the researchers draw meaningful
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conclusions about the effectiveness of different teaching methods and approaches for adult
learners.
Methodological Limitations
As the focus of the study will be on understanding adult learning, the primary
limitation will be the qualitative nature of the research. This means that the findings will be
The study will provide insight into the experiences and perspectives of the participants, but
the interview location may influence the participants’ responses and limit the scope of the
study. The researcher must be mindful of the potential for the participants to disclose only
certain information that they deem relevant to the study. This limitation may be mitigated
by conducting interviews in a neutral location, which can help create a more comfortable
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Multidimensional Approach –
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Refers to an inclusive and holistic motivations, and learning styles, and that
approach that considers the cognitive, effective understanding of adult learning
emotional, social, and cultural aspects of requires considering the interplay of
adult learning. It recognizes that adult these dimensions.
learners have diverse backgrounds,
Lifelong Learning –
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REFERENCE
Bates, T., & Sangrà , A. (2011). Managing technology in higher education: Strategies for
transforming teaching and learning. Jossey-Bass.
https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Managing+Technology+in+Higher+Education
%3A+Strategies+for+Transforming+Teaching+and+Learning-p-9780470551758
Bransford, J. D., Brown, A. L., & Cocking, R. R. (Eds.). (2010). How people learn: Mind, brain,
experience, and school: Expanded edition. National Academies Press. Retrieved
from https://www.nap.edu/catalog/9853/how-people-learn-brain-mind-
experience-and-school-expanded
Brockett, R. G., & Hiemstra, R. (2010). Self-direction in adult learning: Perspectives on
theory, research, and practice. Routledge.
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/9781315809955
Felder, R. M., & Silverman, L. K. (2010). Learning and teaching styles in engineering
education. Engineering education, 78(7), 674-681. Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Richard-Felder/publication/264868232_Le
arning_and_Teaching_Styles_in_Engineering_Education/links/
54718fb10cf26f51dccb6703.pdf
Hmelo-Silver, C. E. (2013). Analyzing collaborative learning processes automatically:
Exploiting the advances of computational linguistics in computer-supported
collaborative learning. International Journal of Computer-Supported Collaborative
Learning, 8(3), 363-378. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11412-013-
9177-y
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Merriam, S. B., & Bierema, L. L. (2014). Adult learning: Linking theory and practice. John
Wiley & Sons. https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Adult+Learning:
+Linking+Theory+and+Practice-p-9780470287586
Means, B., Toyama, Y., Murphy, R., Bakia, M., & Jones, K. (2013). Evaluation of evidence-
based practices in online learning: A meta-analysis and review of online learning
studies. U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved from
https://www2.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/tech/evidence-based-practices/finalreport.pdf
#page=9
Merriam, S. B., Caffarella, R. S., & Baumgartner, L. M. (2012). Learning in adulthood: A
comprehensive guide (3rd ed.). John Wiley & Sons. Retrieved from
https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Learning+in+Adulthood
%3A+A+Comprehensive+Guide%2C+3rd+Edition-p-9780470542785
Mezirow, J. (2010). An overview on transformative learning. In J. Mezirow & E. W. Taylor
(Eds.), Transformative learning in practice: Insights from community, workplace,
and higher education (pp. 1-18). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265684704_An_Overview_on_Transfor
mative_Learning
National Center for Education Statistics. (2020). Adult education and training in the United
States: Key findings from the program for the International Assessment of Adult
Competencies (PIAAC) (NCES 2020-015). U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved
from https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2020015
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic
motivation, social development, and well-being. American psychologist, 55(1), 68-
78. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2017). Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in
motivation, development, and wellness. Guilford Publications. Retrieved from
https://books.google.com/books?
hl=en&lr=&id=9TnADgAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=Self-determination+theory:
+Basic+psychological+needs+in+motivation,+development,
+and+wellness&ots=PDmOvvq3_q&sig=ddH2cYzBlXg5O5_5R5iTHyynO5o
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Appendix A
Transmittal Letter to the Adviser
The Senior High School, Jagobiao National High School, is where the undersigned is
on his thesis, which is titled “Understanding Adult Learning,” in accordance with the
course’s requirements.
To that end, the undersigned is requesting your permission and support in order to
Sincerely Yours,
Researcher
Noted by:
RICHARD F. RUELAN, Ed, D.
Adviser
Appendix B
Informed Consent for the Respondents
The purpose of this interview guide is to get information from you on “Understanding Adult
Learning.” I would very appreciate it if you would read and carefully consider the
I, _________________, (full name) ___ years old (age), agreed to be interviewed and
I understand that the data will be used for research to determine Understanding Adult
Learning
consent was granted voluntarily and that even after the interview, I can refuse to answer
I am free to ask and get in touch with Roselyn A. Impas, researcher, for any concerns
regarding the study. Ms. Impaz can be reached at 0948 054 5555; email:
roselynimpas440@gmail.com
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Appendix C
Interview Guide
ROSELYN A. IMPAS
Sitio Kalubihan, Labogon, Mandaue City
Mobile: 09480545555
roselynimpas440@gmail.com
Educational Background
Primary Education
Basak Elementary School, Graduated S.Y. (2011 - 2017)
Secondary Education
Junior High School
Labogon National High School, Labogon, Graduated S.Y. (2017 – 2021)