Hodell, C. (2021). Introduction to instructional systems design: Theory and practice. Association for Talent Development.
Chapter 3 The Adult Learner (pp. 58-75): In this chapter, we delve into the multifaceted realm of adult learners and the intricacies involved in designing instructional materials tailored to their unique needs. Key concepts explored include andragogy, the role of age in defining adult learner populations, disparities between adult and child learners, adult learning principles, generational learning considerations, challenges encountered by adult learners, designing for adults with learning disabilities, and identifying optimal learning methods for adults. By the end of this chapter, learners will be equipped to define adult learning within the context of instructional systems design (ISD), determine the age threshold for adulthood in ISD, differentiate between adult and child learning processes, elucidate adult learning principles, grasp the concept of generational learning, recognize prevalent challenges faced by adult learners, comprehend the impact of learning disabilities on instructional design, and enumerate effective teaching methods tailored to adult learners. The exploration of adults as learners as pioneered by Malcolm Knowles and subsequent theorists has significantly shaped our understanding of instructional design for this demographic. As we navigate through this chapter, we will dissect the various factors influencing adult learning and examine the design implications arising from these considerations.
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