Adult Education Collaboration Model

At the outset of this course, I viewed adult education as a

personal journey. One identifies the learning they wish to pursue
and they pursue it with the mentorship and coaching of others
such as instructors, etc. However now, I believe that adult
Existing
learning is lacking something unless it incorporates collaboration
Personal Views with others. Similarly, Newman (2011) states that, through
careful thought we would arrive at rational conclusions, deeper
understandings of universal truths, or finer appreciations of the
aesthetic aspects of our culture (p. 316).
In a singular path to learning, one receives instruction and
information and processes that information based on innate
Collaboration views. Ones views shape the way information is interpreted. It is
the role of collaboration to expose the learner to alternative
views formed organically, so they are exposed to other means
Alternative Revised of interpreting information. Discussing themes with others
Reflection allows one to reconsider their interpretations from another's
Views Personal
viewpoint whose life experiences provide them a unique angle
Views
from which to consider a topic. Upon discussing these views with
Mentorship, others, the learner can reflect on the merits and rationale behind
these viewpoints to determine to what degree they make sense
Coaching, and and whether they will become part of ones own perspective.
Facilitated Without opportunities for collaboration and discussion, the
learner may go so far in their learning but miss an integral part.
Learning
Therefore, adult learning is not entirely about formal ways of
receiving information but a combination of formal and informal
methods that, once subject to reflection on the part of the
learner, become a part of the ethos of the learner.
Newman, Michael (2011). Reflection Disempowered. In Merriam, S. B., & Grace, A. P.
(Eds.). Contemporary issues in adult education. (pp. 315-320). San Francisco: Jossey
Bass.