Adult Learning Vs Transformational Learning

From the formation of life, learning becomes a necessary process that continues throughout our lifespan. There is an essential structure from the beginning seeking and storing new information that enables one’s ability to survive and adapt to different internal and external learning challenges. For decades numerous theories have illustrated how people acquire knowledge. Learning can occur in a variety of methods. Research indicates individual experiences become embedded into their long term memory ensuring lasting effects. Another popular concept of learning is how acquired information and the ability stored memory can be applied. Regardless of how learning has been defined, the basic element of learning process, how people gain knowledge and …show more content…
What are the theoretical implications of adult learning theories in a context they are familiar with? I looked at this question for some time, wondering what could happen as a result of higher education. As adult obtain more education, and I specifically refer to formal education and transformational learning, the mindset or the way an individual thinks about themselves, community and the world around them increases and enlightens. Education changes the mindset view about self, intelligence and capableness. As adults engage in secondary education, changes in views beget their willingness to absorb new learning and greet new learning challenges. By changing the thought process from failing to accomplishing difficult tasks. In simpler terms, adults stop listening to the defeatist voices in their head reminding them that they cannot do something. The entry into secondary education improves adult’s abilities by adopting a growth mindset, due to an increased education. Adult have more control over their lives then ever before and a sense of empowerment. Adults feel better about themselves, have more outcome control, and will perform better. I also wanted to sneak this in because I think it has some merit towards my essay. In the book, learning in adulthood, Houle 's indicated that there is more selling points to returning to school. The following factors are some if not all …show more content…
When I was very young, I hated school and I think this was on a my ADD learning disability and the subsequent verbal and mental anguish some teacher subjected me to. When I attended high school, I was asked to not come back due to disciplinary issues. That was it, I started and finished my G.E.D., and thought to myself, that’s it, no more education. I decided I needed some direction and entered the Military, but they had one request, go back to high school and get a diploma, and when I succeeded, I again said no more school. Once I entered military service, I went back to school for communication, and again, no more. I started to see a pattern, education serves a purpose, and the purpose is to improve condition so I could advance my knowledge, understanding, and quality of life. With a bachelors under my belt and the prospect of a masters, I believe a positive future is possible. I believe I picked self-directed and transitional learning theory as the focus of this essay because it relates to my life and educational achievements. Based on formal and informal education, I have over twenty years of knowledge to access. I may not be as enlightened as some but from where I started, I have achieved so much. This essay and EAD 510 class helped me understand how I and other adults improve themselves. How can I sum up my philosophy? Never stop learning, never stop improving, never give up and never underestimate one’s