Module 5

I hope everyone got a chance to read Chapter 20 of the Diamond (2008) text discussing the needs of the adult learner. It really opened my eyes. I can honestly say that when I was an undergraduate and had an adult learner in my class, they got on my nerves. They were always asking the questions that would give us more work, or extend discussions, etc. Most of the college students aged 18-24 are looking for the easy way out whereas the adult learner was really there to learn.

It seems that Andragogy is well identified and the debate is whether to utilize andragogy techniques versus pedagogy techniques. This seems a hard question to answer. While traditional students (aged 18-24) are actually adults, they are still learning and have not had the experiences in life as adults may have. I think the prior experiences and the motivation for their higher education are the most important part of deciding the learning style. In my opinion, I would move more toward a andragogy style of teaching. This education style would be beneficial to all types of students. Younger students can learn from adult students and their experiences. Another aspect is that the younger students can help the adult students with the technological side of learning. Often, adult students may not have the technological expertise of the younger student. Making the learning experience beneficial for both is most important.

One article that I found (Forest III & Peterson, 2006), really made a powerful statement about andragogy. It discusses management education and that pedagogy is not applicable due to the fact that it does not encompass the needs of the adult learner. Pedagogy refers to reaching children and why would one teach children management? It has an excellent table that shows the Pedagogical Andragogical Learning Assumption. I would encourage everyone to view it.

This was a very interesting topic to read and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

References

Forrest III, S.P. & Peterson, T.O. (2006). It's called andragogy. Academy of Learning and Management Education. 5 (1): 113-122.

Sell, G.R. (2008). Meeting the needs of the adult learner. In R.M. Diamond (Eds.), Designing and assessing courses and curricula (pp. 257-270). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Module 4

I really enjoyed creating my diagram. It was difficult to find the right software to be able to complete the diagram though. I am not sure how it will turn out when added to my blog. Diagramming is an excellent resource and acts as an outline. It is better than an outline in the fact that it can tie certain parts of the curriculum together. I look forward to working more with diagramming.
I can't figure out how to upload my diagram. I will keep trying. Below is the information.
Important: All parents will have option to opt out of their child participating in this course. It will be important for them to note that all students must participate in the program starting in grade 6 to move onto the next grade level course. All units are age-appropriate.
UNITSUnit 1 - Human Sexuality will include: anatomy and physiology of male and female reproductive systemsUnit 2 - Risky Behaviors will include: Emotional, STD's, teen pregnancy, and contraceptives.Unit 3 - Relationships will include: friendships, understanding guys/girls, healthy vs. unhealthy relationships, preventing sexual abuse and date rape.Unit 4 - Self-Esteem will include: identifying and appreciating unique qualities, interests and skillsUnit 5 - Character Development will include: responsibility, self respect, courage, perserverance, compassion and respect.Unit 6 - Alcohol will include: dangers of alcohol and alcohol with sex.Unit 7 - Refusal Skills will include: setting boundaries, developing verbal skills and assertive skills.Unit 8 - Rewards will include: decision making, goal setting and achievement, and marriage planning.Unit 9 - Family Life will include: what is a family, different types of family, and responsibilities of family.