Hong Kong Parents' Conceptions of Parental Learning, Principles of Adult Learning, and the Theory of Parental Awareness

• In Event: 52.055 - New Concepts in Adult Learning: Readiness to Learn, Parental Learning, and Digital Learning

Abstract

This qualitative study found six conceptions of parental learning: recalling experiences, acquiring problem solving skills, applying problem solving skills, awareness of a parent-child relationship, seeing alternative understanding of parenting, and change of person. The first three have a child’s behaviour control paradigm. Learning is on acquiring and applying quick fixes. The last three are systemic and are focused on the parent and child relationship. It drew upon Marton, Dall'Alba, and Beaty (1993) conception of learning, Newberger’s (1977) theory of parental awareness and Knowles’ (1998) principles of adult learning to describe a hierarchy of relationships and inclusiveness among the conceptions. The results provide a deeper understanding of how parents learn in parent education, and a pedagogical framework for parental learning.

Authors

• Luis Go, The University of Hong Kong

• Ming Fai Pang, The University of Hong Kong