Learning Theory Highlights.
In the progressive education movement described by Merriam and Brockett in The Profession and Practice of Adult Education (pg 35), the authors say this theory places more value on knowledge derived from observation and experience than from tradition and authority. This theory is traced back to the mid-nineteenth century when our society was becoming more industrialized and urbanized and approaches to education were changing and evolving. In fact, the development of the field of adult education coincided with the progressive movement in the United States (Merriam and Brockett, pg 36). This theory resonates well with my own experience and the development of my career. During my twenty plus years in the tourism industry in Canada and overseas, I have worked my way up starting with a junior position as a tour manager and working my way up within a group of companies through 7 years and had 3 different positions. From Dewey and others emerged a philosophy of education that resonates with me. Particularly, the following three principles ring true; these are 1) considering a broadened view of education that goes well beyond liberal education, 2) placing a focus on learners and their needs and experiences rather than predetermined content, and 3) moving the shift from teacher as authority figure to facilitator of learning. I will explain why in this essay. More...
In the progressive education movement described by Merriam and Brockett in The Profession and Practice of Adult Education (pg 35), the authors say this theory places more value on knowledge derived from observation and experience than from tradition and authority. This theory is traced back to the mid-nineteenth century when our society was becoming more industrialized and urbanized and approaches to education were changing and evolving. In fact, the development of the field of adult education coincided with the progressive movement in the United States (Merriam and Brockett, pg 36). This theory resonates well with my own experience and the development of my career. During my twenty plus years in the tourism industry in Canada and overseas, I have worked my way up starting with a junior position as a tour manager and working my way up within a group of companies through 7 years and had 3 different positions. From Dewey and others emerged a philosophy of education that resonates with me. Particularly, the following three principles ring true; these are 1) considering a broadened view of education that goes well beyond liberal education, 2) placing a focus on learners and their needs and experiences rather than predetermined content, and 3) moving the shift from teacher as authority figure to facilitator of learning. I will explain why in this essay. More...