Adult Learning Outside the Classroom: Andragogy in Informal Settings (Poster 39)

• In Event: Sunday Poster Session 11:25 am
  In Poster Session: Motivation and Learning Across Learning Environments

Abstract

A literature review was conducted to examine: (1) How learning is defined, and how these definitions guide research questions and methodology specific to the adult learner. (2) How adult learning differs between formal classroom settings and more informal contexts. (3) What recommendations exist for andragogy in informal settings. An extensive search resulted in 32 articles composed of empirical research, meta-analyses, reviews, and theoretical papers which were examined and annotated. The current review synthesizes and states the extant definitions within the literature while providing novel, functional operationalizations for learning constructs. Additionally, the review presents a list of learning similarities across the lifespan and contexts, the unique characteristics of adult learners, and recommendations for andragogy outside the classroom.

Author

• Evan R. Hughes, U.S. Department of the Air Force