Adult Learning and the Workplace - Blog 3

Field's article reminded me of an article we read in a previous class (Education Pays: The Benefits of Higher Education for the Individual and Society by Baum and Ma). Both articles discussed the many benefits associated with adult learning. I found it interested that Field touched on a few negatives to adult learning, stress in particular. I am sure we can all attest to many stressful times during the course of this last year. One area that has been hard for me is sometimes having to put my children on the back burner (for lack of a better phrase) for a few hours to complete a paper or study for an upcoming test. Just the other day my daughter asked me how much longer I would be going to school. I told her that I plan to graduate in a year. Her comment to me was "A YEAR, YOU HAVE BEEN GOING TO SCHOOL MY WHOLE LIFE." I am sure if does feel that way to her at times, because at times it has seemed that way to me too. However, I do feel that the many advantages to adult learning outweigh the negative and I hope my children never stop seeking opportunities to learn, whether at college or at their future place of employment.

At the workplace, professional development is essential. We should all have opportunities available to further our education and seek advancements. The idea of cross-training has been mentioned several times at my college. Many departments do not have a clue what the other department does. How can we work as a whole when there seems to be missing links? The more we can learn about all areas of the college would seem like a win-win situation for the faculty, staff, and students.

Critical Theory as it Applies to the Adult Learner - Blog 2

Brookfield's article alluded that critical theory encompasses several ideas such as gaining knowledge to better understand one's self and also the world as a whole. This can include making connections from past experiences, learning about other cultures, and recognizing where change is needed in one's own life and society.

In adult learning settings, critical theory can be applied in the classroom, in the community, and in other countries. In the classroom, adult learners can engage in activites that encourage them to reflect on past experiences and make connections to learning. We have experienced several of these types of activities in Dr. Miller's class. In the community, classes can take on service-learning projects where students learn and develop experience by participating in activties that benefit the community. Service-learning is becoming a popular teaching approach that allows students to gain "hands on" experience outside of the traditional classroom. By contributing to the greater good of the community, the students develop a deeper satisfaction and feeling of belonging. Critical theory can also be incorporated into the higher education setting by exploring the possibility of study abroad trips. This entitiles the adult learner to a rich learning experience in other cultures and will increase their knowledge of global awareness.

As for CCC, we have started utilizing service-learning projects in several discipline areas. We have also offered some short-term study abroad trips in the summer. These types of expereinces will enhance critical theory or thinking in adults by giving them a broader scope of information and hopefully a broader knowledge of the world. With this knowledge, adult learners should be able to better reason and rationalize not only their own thoughts and ideas, but the thoughts and ideas of others.