Mart Laanpere
Tallinn Pedagogical University
Is there really a big difference?
Do the adults learn on significantly
different way, if compared with children?
What is different in case of adults?
Research says...
Liquid and crystallized intelligence
Memory constraints
Different kind of motivation
Self-directed learning
Self-directed learning
Learners can be empowered to take more
responsibility
Self-direction exists in every person and learning
situation – to some extent
Self-directed learning does not necessarily take
place in isolation from others
Self-directed learners appear able to transfer
learning to another situation
Various activities: self-guided reading, internship,
electronic dialogues, reflective writing
Teachers still have a role
In practice mostly found in open learning or non-
credit programs
A Study by Houle (1961)
Categories of learners:
goal-oriented learners
activity-oriented learners
learning-oriented learners
Self-directed
Involved
Interested
Dependent
Authority Facilitator
Motivator Consultant
Towards the theory of SDL
transaction
Characteristics of the learner