Course Description
This course will focus on foundational theories, principles, and research in adult learning, integrating historical and contemporary perspectives. Students will examine the cognitive, emotional, sociocultural, and neurological aspects of adult development as they relate to learning. Other topics include: the application of adult learning theory in curriculum design, facilitation and coaching practices, professional learning strategies, and the role of context, identity, and equity in adult education. Students will apply theory to practice by designing inclusive, research-based adult learning experiences. (3 credits)
Prerequisites
- EDU 501: Integrated Foundations of American Education
- EDU 503: Curriculum Design Models
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Evaluate key theories and models of adult learning and their implications for practice in diverse educational contexts.
- Analyze adult cognitive and socio-emotional development as a foundation for effective instructional design.
- Design inclusive adult learning experiences using evidence-based strategies and aligned with adult learning principles.
- Apply principles of motivation, brain function, and identity development to support adult learners.
- Critique professional learning and coaching practices through the lens of adult learning theory and current research.
- Develop a research-informed framework for leading and facilitating adult learning in professional settings.
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|
Discussions (Weeks 1-8) | 25% |
Blogs / Vlogs (Week 1-8) | 25% |
Assignments (Weeks 1-7) | 25% |
Key Assessment (Week 8) | 25% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
(Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle):
- Knowles, M. S., Holton III, E. F., Robinson, P. A., & Caraccioli, C. (2024). The Adult Learner: The Definitive Classic in Adult Education and Human Resource Development (10th ed.). New York, NY: Routledge. ISBN-13: 9781003387671
Course Schedule
Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 1,2,5 | Topic: Introduction to Adult Learning and Learning Theory - Read and Review:
- Read The Adult Learner, Chapters 1 & 2
- Read The Ultimate Guide to Adult Learning Theory: Knowles’ Principles & More (Binder, 2024)
- Read Adult Learning Theories: Everything You Need to Know (Coleman, 2024)
- Review Student Guide: The Adult Learner (10th ed.) Chapters 1 & 2 (Routledge, 2024)
- View A Comprehensive Guide to Adult Learning Theories, part 1 [Video] (The L & D Academy, 2023)
| - Read and review assigned material
- Review the lecture material
- Participate in Discussion Board
- Participate in Blog/Vlog
- Submit Assignment - My Adult Learning Profile – Theory into Practice
|
2 | 1,2,5 | Topics: Learner-Centered Philosophy and the Evolution of Andragogy - Read and Review:
- Read The Adult Learner, Chapters 3 & 4
- Read Andragogy vs. Pedagogy: Key Differences in Learning (WGU, 2022)
- Read What Is The Difference Between Pedagogy, Andragogy, And Heutagogy? (Heick, n.d.)
- Read Andragogy Training Model in Advanced Level Training by Early Childhood Educators to Improve Learning (Yuliani, Hufad, Komar, Karwati, & Hamdan, 2024).
- Read Inclusive Adult Learning Environments (Imel, 1995)
- Review Student guide: The Adult Learner (10th ed.) Chapters 3 & 4 (Routledge, 2024)
| - Read and review assigned material
- Review the lecture material
- Participate in Discussion Board
- Participate in Blog/Vlog
- Submit Assignment - Designing a Climate for Adult Learning
|
3 | 1,4,5 | Topics: Adult Development and Motivation in Learning - Read and Review:
- Read The Adult Learner Chapters 5 & 6
- Read Strategic Adult Learning Strategies for Growth (Kutest Kids Early Intervention, 2024)
- Read Adult Learning Theory: How Adults Learn Differently (Park University, 2025)
- Review Student Guide: The Adult Learner (10th ed.) Chapters 5 & 6 (Routledge, 2024)
| - Read and review assigned material
- Review the lecture material
- Participate in Discussion Board
- Participate in Blog/Vlog
- Submit Assignment - Theory-to-Practice Design Sketch
|
4 | 1,2,5 | Topics: Self-Directed and Transformative Learning - Read and Review:
- Read The Adult Learner, Chapters 7 & 8
- Review Student Guide: The Adult Learner (10th ed.) Chapters 7 & 8 (Routledge, 2024)
| - Read and review assigned material
- Review the lecture material
- Participate in Discussion Board
- Participate in Blog/Vlog
- Submit Assignment - Planning Adult Learning – A Four-Phase Framework
|
5 | 2,3,5 | Topics: Inclusive and Tech-Enhanced Andragogy - Read and Review:
- Read The Adult Learner, Chapters 11 & 13
- Review Student Guide: The Adult Learner (10th ed.) Chapters 11 & 13 (Routledge, 2024)
| - Read and review assigned material
- Review the lecture material
- Participate in Discussion Board
- Participate in Blog/Vlog
- Submit Assignment - Critical Literacies and Digital Learning Plan
|
6 | 1,2,4,6 | Topics: Expanding and Adapting the Andragogical Model - Read and Review:
- Read The Adult Learner, Chapters 9 & 10
- Review Student Guide: The Adult Learner (10th ed.) Chapters 9 & 10 (Routledge, 2024)
| - Read and review assigned material
- Review the lecture material
- Participate in Discussion Board
- Participate in Blog/Vlog
- Submit Assignment - Planning for Learner Variability
|
7 | 2,4,6 | Topics: Designing and Facilitating Adult Learning Experiences - Read and Review:
- Read The Adult Learner, Chapters 12, 14, 15
- Review Student Guide: The Adult Learner (10th ed.) Chapter 12, 14, 15 (Routledge, 2024)
- Review Learning Forward Standards for Professional Learning, along with the following sub-pages of this site.
- Foundations for standards
- How standards lead to improvement for all learners
- How to use Standards for Professional Learning
- Two-Page Summary
- Review Guskey’s Five Levels of Professional Development Evaluation
- View Guskey’s Model of Teacher Change [Video] (Guskey, 2015)
| - Read and review assigned material
- Review the lecture material
- Participate in Discussion Board
- Participate in Blog/Vlog
- Submit Assignment - Complete the Andragogy in Practice Inventory
|
8 | 5,6 | Topics: Synthesis and Application - Leading Professional Learning - Read and Review:
- Read The Adult Learner, Chapters 16, 17, 18, 20-22
- Review Student guide: The Adult Learner (10th ed.)Chapters 16, 17, 18, 20-22 (Routledge, 2024)
- Review Sit & Get Won’t Grow Dendrites (Tate, 2006)
| - Read and review assigned material
- Review the lecture material
- Participate in Discussion Board
- Participate in Blog/Vlog
- Submit Final Project - Design and Lead a Collaborative Professional Learning Initiative for Educators
- Complete Course Evaluation
|
COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.
