Older Adult Education

Term Paper # 100259

Aging
Education > Adult Education

This paper explores the inclusion of older adults in higher education.

3,777 words () | 10 sources | APA | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper provides a summary of the literature recommending the self-directed learning technique for adult students. The paper discusses the history of older adult education and the modern challenges facing older adult students. The paper looks at the self-directed learning theory as well as other approaches to adult learning. The paper examines factors that are instrumental in implementing a successful adult education plan. The paper concludes that despite the undeniable problems facing the inclusion of older adults in higher education, the benefits to the community and individual are irrefutable.

Outline:
Introduction
A History of Older Adult Education
Modern Challenges Facing Older Adult Students
Self-Directed Learning
Other Approaches to Adult Learning
Suggested Teaching Plans
Conclusion: The Future for Older Students

From the Paper:

"Historically, the concept of whether or not older adults are an integral part of the education system has caused considerable debate. Contention has raged for decades over the importance of older adults in higher education, the validity of the acceptance of older students and whether approaches to adult learning should differ compared to that of younger students. The general consensus today is that older adults are becoming an increasingly meaningful part of the education sector as more and more adults find themselves with leisure time and a desire to learn the technological advances occurring around them. This trend is exacerbated by modern conditions such as an aging population, the popularity of retirement and early retirement, and the tendency for people to go through several career changes over the course of their life (as opposed to the earlier half of the last century, when an individual typically remained in the same profession for the course of their life). As growing evidence suggests that the needs and learning preferences of older adults differ from that of younger, traditional students, the burgeoning fashion of adult education indicates a theoretical examination of the situation is prudent."

Sample of Sources Used:

Atherton, J. (2005). Knowles' Andragogy: An Angle on Adult Learning. Learning and Teaching. Retrieved November 7, 2006 from http://www.learningandteaching.info/learning/knowlesa.htm.
Brookfield, Stephen. Adult Learning: An Overview. In A. Tuinjman (ed.) (1995). International Encyclopedia of Education. Oxford, Pergamon Press. Retrieved November 8, 2006 from www.fsu.edu/~elps/ae/download/ade5385/Brookfield.pdf.
Crawford, D. (2004). The Role of Aging in Adult Learning: Implications for Instructors in Higher Education. New Horizons for Learning. Retrieved November 8, 2006 from http://www.newhorizons.org/lifelong/higher_ed/crawford.htm.
Gilroy, K. (2001). Collaborative E-Learning: The Right Approach. Destination CRM. Retrieved November 8, 2006 from http://www.destinationcrm.com/articles/default.asp?ArticleID=1767.
Imel, S. (1995). Teaching Adults: Is It Different? California Adult Literacy Professional Development Project. Retrieved November 8, 2006 from http://www.calpro-online.com/ERIC/docgen.asp?tbl=archive&ID=A030.