Adult Learning Basics

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Theories and Models of Adult Learning

According to the online edition of the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, learning has three main definitions. First, it can mean “the act, process, or experience of gaining knowledge or skill.” Second, it can mean “knowledge or skill gained through schooling or study.” Third, it can mean “Changes in behavior resulting from experience, especially changes due to conditioning.” Knowledge is generally understood to mean facts, information, and concepts. Skill refers to know-how—that is, practical awareness of how to do something. Attitude is a general disposition or feeling, positive or negative, about something and is closely aligned to opinions and beliefs. Much training is geared to changing ...