Self-directed Learning |
A process in which individuals take the initiative in diagnosing their learning needs, formulating learning goals, identifying resources, and evaluating learning outcomes |
Knowles' Andragogy |
Transformative Learning |
A learning process that leads to a change in perspective through critical reflection on assumptions |
Mezirow's Transformative Learning Theory |
Experiential Learning |
Learning through reflection on doing, which is often contrasted with more formal types of learning |
Kolb's Experiential Learning Cycle |
Informal Learning |
Learning that occurs outside of a structured curriculum, often through social interactions and experiences |
Marsick and Watkins' Informal Learning Concept |
Social Learning Theory |
Learning that occurs in a social context through observation and interaction with others |
Bandura's Social Learning Theory |
Life-long Learning |
An ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge for personal or professional development |
Candy's Lifelong Learning Framework |
Cooperative Learning |
An educational approach which aims to organize classroom activities into academic and social learning experiences |
Johnson & Johnson's Cooperative Learning Theory |
Problem-based Learning |
A student-centered pedagogy in which students learn about a subject through solving an open-ended problem |
Barrows' Problem-Based Learning |
Active Learning |
An instructional method that engages students in the learning process directly, encouraging participation and collaboration |
Prince's Active Learning Framework |
Peer Learning |
A process in which individuals learn from one another, facilitating the exchange of ideas and knowledge |
Topping's Peer Learning Theory |
Motivation Theory |
A field that examines what motivates individuals to engage in learning, including intrinsic and extrinsic motivators |
Deci and Ryan's Self-Determination Theory |
Reflective Practice |
The process of reflecting on one's experiences to enhance learning and professional development |
Schön's Reflective Practice |
Adult Developmental Theory |
The study of how adults grow and develop over time, including cognitive, emotional, and social aspects |
Levinson's Seasons of a Man's Life |
Transactional Distance Theory |
The psychological and communications space to be crossed to connect learners and instructors, relevant in distance education |
Moore's Theory of Transactional Distance |
Contextual Learning |
Learning that occurs within a specific context, emphasizing the relationship between knowledge and its practical application |
Brown's Situated Learning Theory |
Motivational Interviewing |
A counseling approach that helps individuals find the motivation to make positive decisions and achieve their goals |
Miller and Rollnick's Motivational Interviewing |
Credentialing and Certification |
A method of validating and recognizing competencies, skills, or knowledge through formal certification processes |
No specific theory |
Career Learning |
The process by which individuals acquire knowledge, skills, and experiences that enhance their work-related capabilities |
Savickas' Career Construction Theory |
Adult Learning Styles |
Various preferences adults have for how they absorb, process, and retain information |
Fleming's VARK Model |
Engagement Theory |
A framework that explains the importance of student engagement in the learning process, especially in online education |
Kahn's Engagement Theory |
Self-efficacy |
An individual's belief in their capability to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments |
Bandura's Self-Efficacy Theory |
Learning Communities |
Groups of people who share common academic goals and attitudes, and who meet semi-regularly to collaborate on a subject |
Rovai's Community of Inquiry Framework |
Intercultural Competence Training |
A method of developing awareness, understanding, and skills for effectively interacting with people from different cultures |
Hammer's Intercultural Competence Framework |
Digital Literacy |
The ability to effectively use digital technology, communication tools, and networks to access, manage, evaluate, and create information |
Jenkins' Convergence Culture |
Emotional Intelligence in Learning |
The capacity to be aware of, control, and express one's emotions and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically |
Goleman's Emotional Intelligence Theory |
Feedback Systems |
Mechanisms for providing information about performance or understanding, crucial for effective learning |
Hattie and Timperley's Feedback Model |
Work-Based Learning |
Learning situated in the workplace, often involving collaborations between educators and employers |
Billett's Workplace Learning Theory |
Resilience in Learning |
The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties and adapt to change while learning |
Rutter's Resilience Theory |
Learning Analytics |
The use of data to understand and improve learning, typically through analysis of learner behavior and outcomes |
Siemens' Learning Analytics Framework |
Digital Learning Environments |
Online or technology-enhanced learning spaces where students and teachers interact using digital tools |
Salmon's Five Stage Model of E-learning |
Cognitive Load Theory |
A theory that posits that learning is affected by the amount of information working memory can hold at one time |
Sweller's Cognitive Load Theory |
Authentic Learning |
Learning that encourages students to connect what they are being taught to real-world issues and practices |
Herrington and Herrington's Authentic Learning Model |
Mentoring Relationships |
A partnership in which a more experienced individual helps guide the development of a less experienced individual, often enhancing learning and growth |
Kram's Mentoring Theory |
Skill Acquisition and Development |
The process of learning new skills and gradually improving competency through practice |
Fitts and Posner's Three Stages of Learning |
Knowledge Generation |
The collaborative process of creating new knowledge, which often occurs in social learning environments |
Nonaka and Takeuchi's SECI Model |
Action Learning |
A process that uses real-life problems as a vehicle for learning through action and reflection |
Revans' Action Learning Theory |
Scaffolding |
Support provided by instructors or more knowledgeable peers to help learners achieve a task they cannot complete independently |
Wood, Bruner, and Ross' Scaffolding Theory |
Mindfulness in Learning |
The practice of being aware and present in the moment as a way to enhance learning and focus |
Kabat-Zinn's Mindfulness Theory |
Technical Skills Development |
The process of acquiring the specific skills needed to perform tasks related to a particular job or function |
No specific theory |
Behaviorism in Adult Learning |
A theory that focuses on observable behaviors and the ways they're learned, emphasizing conditioning and reinforcement |
Skinner's Behaviorist Theory |
Critical Pedagogy |
An educational approach that seeks to address power dynamics and encourages learners to question and challenge dominant narratives |
Freire's Critical Pedagogy |
Learning in Communities of Practice |
A framework that emphasizes the importance of social learning and communal knowledge creation |
Wenger's Communities of Practice Theory |
Negotiated Learning |
A process where learners actively participate in designing their own learning experiences, objectives, and outcomes |
Merriam's Adult Learning Theory |
Adult Motivation |
Factors that drive adults to learn, including personal growth, job advancement, and social factors |
Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory |
Hybrid Learning Models |
A combination of traditional face-to-face and online learning strategies designed to accommodate various learning styles |
Garrison's Community of Inquiry Framework |
Self-Assessment in Learning |
The process by which learners evaluate their own knowledge, skills, and understanding to enhance learning outcomes |
Kirkpatrick's Evaluation Model |
Learning by Teaching |
A phenomenon where teaching others helps reinforce one's own learning and understanding of a subject matter |
Cognitive Apprenticeship Theory |
Micro-learning |
An educational approach that delivers content in small, specific bursts, allowing learners to control what and when they learn |
No specific theory |
Strategic Learning |
A purposeful and goal-directed approach to learning that includes planning, monitoring, and evaluating the learning process |
Zimmerman's Self-Regulated Learning Theory |
Problem Solving in Learning |
A cognitive process where learners identify a problem, gather information, and apply knowledge to find a solution |
Newell and Simon's Problem Solving Theory |
Decolonizing Education |
An approach focused on recognizing and addressing the historical and cultural biases embedded in education systems |
Tuck and Yang's Decolonizing Theory |
Interdisciplinary Learning |
An educational approach that integrates concepts and methodologies from multiple disciplines to create a more comprehensive learning experience |
No specific theory |
Learning through Play |
A method of learning that emphasizes playful engagement and exploration, often used in adult education as a way to facilitate creativity |
Vygotsky's Play Theory |
Collaborative Technologies |
Tools and platforms that enable learners to work together in real time to enhance learning experiences |
No specific theory |
Media Literacy |
The ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media in various forms to facilitate understanding and communication |
Hobbs' Media Literacy Framework |
Gamification in Learning |
The application of game-design elements in non-game contexts to enhance engagement and motivation in the learning process |
Deterding's Gamification Framework |
Adaptive Learning Technologies |
Personalized educational systems that adapt resources and activities to the individual learner's needs and preferences |
No specific theory |
Role of Feedback in Learning |
The significance of constructive feedback from peers and instructors in enhancing learner development |
Kluger and DeNisi's Feedback Intervention Theory |
Distributed Learning |
An approach to education that occurs across multiple locations and formats, enabling more flexible learning opportunities |
No specific theory |
Health Literacy |
The ability to access, understand, and evaluate health information to make informed health decisions, which can be pivotal in adult learning contexts |
No specific theory |
Multimodal Learning |
Utilizing multiple modes of learning—such as visual, auditory, kinesthetic— to enhance understanding and retention of information |
Fleming's VARK Model |
Cultural Competence |
The ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures, crucial in adult learning environments |
Sue's Multidimensional Model of Cultural Competence |
Philosophy of Education |
The study of the fundamental nature and purposes of education and its various practices and methodologies |
No specific theory |
Adult Learner Characteristics |
Attributes of adult learners that affect their learning process, such as motivation, self-direction, and life experiences |
Knowles' Andragogy |
Cognitive Flexibility |
The ability to adapt cognitive processing strategies to face new and unexpected conditions in the environment during learning experiences |
Spiro's Cognitive Flexibility Theory |
Learning through Simulation |
A training method that uses simulated environments to mimic real-world situations, enhancing practical skills and knowledge |
No specific theory |
Networking in Learning |
The process of forming connections and creating relationships, often facilitating knowledge exchange among peers |
Bourdieu's Social Capital Theory |
Emergent Learning |
Learning that arises from interactions and experiences rather than being pre-determined, often characterized by its flexibility and adaptability |
No specific theory |
Rural Adult Education |
A form of adult education that focuses on providing learning opportunities to adults in rural areas, addressing specific community needs |
No specific theory |
Consciousness-Raising in Learning |
A process of increasing awareness about issues and challenges in education to foster critical thinking and transformative change |
Freire's Critical Consciousness |
Visual Learning Strategies |
Techniques that utilize visual aids to enhance understanding and retention of information among adult learners |
Fleming's VARK Model |
Participatory Learning |
A teaching method that engages learners actively in the learning process, often involving discussion, problem-solving, and collaborative activities |
Freire's Participatory Education Framework |
Blended Learning |
An educational approach that combines online digital media with traditional face-to-face classroom methods |
Garrison and Vaughan's Blended Learning Framework |
Critical Thinking Skills |
The ability to think clearly and rationally, understanding the logical connection between ideas, crucial for effective learning and decision making |
Facione's Critical Thinking Framework |
Research Skills Development |
The process through which individuals learn how to find, evaluate, and utilize information in academic and professional contexts |
Leiter's Research Skills Model |
Communication Skills in Learning |
The abilities required to convey and receive information effectively during the learning process, including speaking, listening, and writing |
No specific theory |
Inclusive Learning Practices |
Approaches that make education accessible and relevant to all individuals, regardless of their background or abilities |
No specific theory |
Neuroscience of Learning |
The study of how the brain learns, focusing on the biological processes involved in learning and memory retention |
No specific theory |
Intellectual Curiosity |
A willingness to engage in learning for its own sake, driven by the desire to understand and explore various subjects |
No specific theory |
Task-Based Learning |
An approach to language education that uses meaningful tasks as central components of the learning process |
Skehan's Task-Based Learning Theory |
Capacity Building in Adult Learning |
Processes aimed at developing the skills, knowledge, and abilities of individuals and organizations to empower learning and development |
No specific theory |
Higher Order Thinking Skills |
Advanced cognitive processes such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation that are necessary for problem-solving and decision-making |
Bloom's Taxonomy |
Blended Learning Environments |
Learning settings that facilitate a mix of online and face-to-face instruction to optimize the education experience |
Garrison's Blended Learning Framework |
Social Capital and Learning |
The networks, norms, and social trust that facilitate coordination and cooperation for mutual benefit in learning contexts |
Bourdieu's Social Capital Theory |
Resilience and Learning |
The ability to recover from setbacks and adapt to change, which plays a significant role in adults' learning processes |
Masten's Resilience Theory |
Sensory Learning Styles |
Different ways individuals prefer to receive and process information, such as visual, auditory, and tactile learning |
Gardner's Multiple Intelligences Theory |
Action Research in Adult Education |
A reflective process of problem solving led by individuals working with others in teams, often aimed at educational improvement |
Lewin's Action Research Model |
Openness to Experience |
A personality trait that reflects the degree of intellectual curiosity and creativity, impacting learning engagement and exploration |
Costa and McCrae's Big Five Personality Traits |
Impact of Life Experience on Learning |
The influence of personal life experiences on how adults learn and develop new skills and knowledge |
No specific theory |
Field-based Learning |
Learning that occurs primarily in a real-world environment rather than a classroom setting, emphasizing hands-on experience |
No specific theory |
Assessment Literacy |
The understanding and skills needed to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of assessments and evaluations in learning |
No specific theory |
Digital Storytelling in Education |
A method of using digital media to tell stories that can enrich learning experiences by incorporating personal narratives and visuals |
No specific theory |
Community-based Learning |
An educational approach that connects learning with community engagement and service, promoting active citizenship and social responsibility |
No specific theory |
Intelligent Tutoring Systems |
Computer systems that provide immediate and personalized feedback to learners, adapting to their learning styles and needs |
No specific theory |
Gamified Element in Learning |
Using game mechanics in non-game contexts to engage and motivate learners through competition and rewards |
No specific theory |
Cognitive Apprenticeship |
A model that encourages learning through guided experiences with more knowledgeable individuals, exemplifying real-world practices |
Collins, Brown, and Newman |
Scaffolding in Adult Education |
Support structures provided to learners that can be gradually removed as skills develop, aiming for learner independence |
Wood, Bruner, and Ross' Scaffolding Theory |
Knowledge Management in Learning |
Processes for capturing, distributing, and effectively using knowledge to enhance learning and decision-making |
Nonaka's Knowledge Management Theory |
Career Development Frameworks |
Models that outline the stages and processes individuals go through in developing their careers and competencies |
Super's Life-Span Career Development Theory |
Ethical Considerations in Adult Learning |
Understanding the moral principles guiding the practice of adult education and the treatment of adult learners |
No specific theory |
Integrative Learning |
The approach to education that emphasizes making connections across disciplines and experiences for a more holistic understanding |
No specific theory |
Competency-Based Education |
An educational approach that focuses on the learner's demonstration of desired learning outcomes as central to the learning process |
No specific theory |