Educational Psychology of the Adult Learner (EDUC 403/603)

Final Reflection Paper: A Working Philosophy of Teaching Adult Learners

DUE: May 9, 2019 POINTS: 100 possible
We have spent the past fifteen weeks studying the field of adult education and specifically the
adult learner. We have primarily used the book, Skillful Teaching (2015) but have also viewed
Brookfield videos and a video of Parker Palmer, Considering the Courage and Practice of
Teaching. We studied the difference between andragogy and pedagogy and investigated
various types of learning models. You filled out a Core Competency Self-Assessment at the
beginning of the semester that identified areas of adult education where you felt you could
improve. You have engaged in discussions with your classmates on ten different topics related
to the units we have been studying and have written three Reflection Papers that asked you to
relate these new concepts to your own teaching/training practice.
As a culmination of this semester’s work, you will write a Final Reflection Paper that ties all of
this work together--A Working Philosophy of Teaching Adult Learners. This paper should be a
culmination of everything you have learned from the textbook readings, videos, short articles,
assignments, and discussion boards as well as your own experience. Address the following
questions in this paper:
1. What ONE AREA from the Core Competency Self-Assessment have you learned the
most about in this course? How will you use that knowledge to improve your role as a
teacher/trainer of adults?
2. What are the FIVE MOST IMPORTANT CONCEPTS you have learned about adult
education and/or the adult learner?
3. How will these concepts affect your ROLE as a teacher/trainer in an adult education
setting?
4. What will you CHANGE in your practice based upon what you have learned?
5. What ADVICE about teaching/training adults would you give to a colleague who has not
yet taken this course?
Your paper must be AT LEAST FIVE but NO MORE than TEN double-spaced pages; use a
minimum of 11-point font and a maximum of 12-point font; pages margins should be at least
one inch on all sides. Follow APA guidelines for formatting your paper and title page.
You will be expected to cite sources in the body of your paper and to include a Reference list
using correct APA format. This is NOT an opinion paper; it is a paper that grounds your values
and beliefs about adult learners in research-based literature. Use examples from your own
practice as appropriate, but only to emphasize HOW you will apply concepts learned in class.
The attached rubric will be used to evaluate your paper. Use this as an opportunity to set forth
your working philosophy of teaching adult learners in a format that could be shared with
colleagues, supervisors, and students. It should define YOU as a professional educator/trainer.