CPI CPI Adult Learning Theory & Andragogy 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What term did Malcolm Knowles coin to describe the art and science of teaching adults?
- Andragogy (Correct answer)
- Pedagogy
- Didactics
- Heutagogy
Correct answer: Andragogy
Malcolm Knowles coined the term 'andragogy' to distinguish adult learning from pedagogy, which refers to teaching children.
Question 2: According to Knowles, adults are primarily motivated to learn when the content is what?
- Assigned by authority figures
- Relevant to their real-life needs and problems (Correct answer)
- Accompanied by external rewards
- Structured as competitive activities
Correct answer: Relevant to their real-life needs and problems
Knowles emphasized that adults are internally motivated and learn best when content is immediately applicable to their personal or professional lives.
Question 3: Which of the following is NOT one of Knowles' core assumptions about adult learners?
- Adults have a self-concept of being responsible for their own decisions
- Adults accumulate a growing reservoir of experience
- Adults are dependent on the teacher for structure (Correct answer)
- Adults become ready to learn when they face new developmental tasks
Correct answer: Adults are dependent on the teacher for structure
One of Knowles' key assumptions is that adults are self-directed learners, not dependent on instructors for structure.
Question 4: In adult learning theory, 'readiness to learn' for adults is primarily linked to what?
- Their age and grade level
- Their developmental tasks and social roles (Correct answer)
- Their standardized test scores
- Their prior academic GPA
Correct answer: Their developmental tasks and social roles
Adult readiness to learn is driven by the need to apply information to cope with real-life situations and social responsibilities.
Question 5: Which learning theory emphasizes that adults learn most effectively through reflection on concrete experiences?
- Behaviorism
- Experiential Learning Theory (Kolb) (Correct answer)
- Classical Conditioning
- Operant Conditioning
Correct answer: Experiential Learning Theory (Kolb)
David Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory proposes that learning occurs through a cycle of concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation.
Question 6: The concept of 'self-directed learning' in adult education means that the learner does what?
- Studies in complete isolation with no guidance
- Takes initiative in diagnosing needs, planning, and evaluating their own learning (Correct answer)
- Never participates in group activities
- Relies solely on online resources
Correct answer: Takes initiative in diagnosing needs, planning, and evaluating their own learning
Self-directed learning involves learners taking initiative in planning, executing, and evaluating their own learning experiences, often with instructor support.
CPI CPI Adult Learning Theory & Andragogy 1
What term did Malcolm Knowles coin to describe the art and science of teaching adults?