Connections are Key

Throughout the course of my adult education, whether it be my nursing program, or my most recent venture into education, I have read many author’s interpretations of adult learning. Jane Vella, in her book “Learning to listen, learning to teach,” describes the principles of adult learning in the most thorough and complete way. Her description of materialism vs. spirituality rings true with me. If spirituality is defined as finding connections and meaning as I discovered in my graduate studies, applying the concept to teaching is quite forward thinking, as all twelve of the principles she describes are contingent on this idea of spirit. If we maintain the materialistic form of teaching, presenting rote facts and spewing thoughts without engaging the learner we hinder the educational process. Infusing spirit on the other hand, engages the learner in defining their own needs and making connections, the intersection of true critical thinking.

Another enlightening concept is the idea of dialogue and the importance of equity and mutual responsibility. When I think back on my most effective college teachers, the common thread has been the sense of comradery, and a shared sense of searching that has made my education effective. These are teachers that I did not call “Doctor” because they commanded a more equal relationship that synergized our shared sense of curiosity and search for truth. I have great respect for the doctoral prepared professors who have inspired me, knowing the persistence and rigor they have endured to become true scholars, but I am especially intrigued when they search out the learner in me and not the student!

If you have an interest in adult learning principles beyond Knowles, Garner and other classics, you should definitely check this out:

Vella, J. (2002). Twelve principles for effective adult learning. In Learning to listen, learning to teach: The power of dialogue in educating adults (pp.3-28). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.