Adult Learning Theory: Management Research Paper
Training Concepts : Research Project
Lesson 4 Overview
In this graded project, you'll
use what you know about
designing effective training to
evaluate a real-world training
program offered by one of
three well-established
companies. Refer back to
your material and textbook as
needed as you gather evidence to support your evaluation.
4.1 Explain the concept of adult learning theory and how
it influences employee training
HRM355 Research Project
READING ASSIGNMENT
Your project must be submitted as a Word document (.docx, .doc)*. Your project
will be individually graded by your instructor and therefore may take up to five to
seven days to grade. Be sure that each of your files contains the following
information:
Your name
Your student ID number
© 2020 Penn Foster Training Concepts (v2) : Lesson 4 : Page 1
Inc.
Course title and number (Training Concepts, HRM355)
Research project number
Your email address
To submit your graded project, follow these steps:
Log in to your student portal.
Click on Take Exam next to the lesson you're working on.
Find the exam number for your project at the top of the Project Upload
page.
Follow the instructions provided to complete your exam.
Be sure to keep a backup copy of any files you submit to the school!
Goal
The goal of this research project is to help you apply what you've
learned about adult learning theory from your lessons. This assignment
will provide you with an opportunity to explain the concept of adult
learning theory and how it influences employee training.
Procedure
Write a two- to three-page research report (minimum of five paragraphs,
80–150 words each) that demonstrates your understanding of the
following topic. Include relevant resource links, and explain your point of
view thoroughly.
Topic
Explain the concept of Malcolm Knowles' theory of adult learning and
discuss its implications for a real-world employee training program.
© 2020 Penn Foster Training Concepts (v2) : Lesson 4 : Page 2
Inc.
Choose from one of the following corporate employee training
programs, and use your own research skills. Briefly describe the
organization's training program and evaluate whether you believe the
training program is successful based on adult learning theory
parameters. Share evidence-based ideas for improving the training
program.
AT&T Learn University (learn.att.jobs/app/)
Amazon Upskilling 2025 (www(dot)aboutamazon(dot)com/working-at-amaz
on/upskilling-2025/our-upskilling-2025-programs)
Seattle Genetics Doctor of Pharmacy Fellowship Program (www.se
attlegenetics.com/application/files/8315/6763/7122/SeaGen_Fellow
ship_Brochure_2020_S.pdf)
Considerations
In your research paper, address the following factors:
1. Does the training meet all five of the adult learning theory
assumptions?
2. If so, what elements of the training most closely align with
Knowles's theory?
3. If not, what employee training elements are missing and what is the
impact?
4. What environmental, social, and cultural aspects influence training
outcomes?
5. How can the training be improved, given the way employees prefer
to learn today?
© 2020 Penn Foster Training Concepts (v2) : Lesson 4 : Page 3
Inc.
Formatting
Type your submission, double-spaced, using either Times New Roman
or another plain font, size 12. Use a standard document format with 1-
inch margins. Your paper should be written in Microsoft Word or a Wordcompatible program.
Your research paper should include a cover sheet and works cited list
using APA formatting. You should also follow APA citation guidelines for
citing sources within your paper.
Grading Rubric
Your project will be graded according to the following rubric.
Category Excellent
20–16 points
Good
15–11 points
Average
10–6 points
Needs
Improvement
5–0 points
Abstract
Clearly states problem
and question to be
resolved; clearly
summarizes method,
results, and
conclusions.
Summarizes
the problem,
method,
results, and
conclusions,
but lacks some
details.
Is vague about
the problem;
doesn’t provide
a summary of
the whole
project.
Little to no
information is
provided
about the
problem or
question.
Introduction
Provides background
research into the topic
and summarizes
important findings;
describes the problem
to be solved; justifies
the study; explains the
significance of the
problem to an
audience of nonspecialists.
Provides
background
research into
the topic and
describes the
problem to be
solved.
Provides
background
research into
the topic but
doesn’t
describe the
problem to be
solved;
insufficient or
nonexistent
explanation of
details to nonspecialists.
Little to no
background
information is
provided.
© 2020 Penn Foster Training Concepts (v2) : Lesson 4 : Page 4
Inc.
Discussion
Factors
Addresses the five
factors in the topic
guidelines with clarity;
organizes and
synthesizes
information; draws
conclusions.
Addresses
some of the
five factors of
the topic; lacks
substantive
conclusions.
Presents
limited clarity in
formulating
conclusions or
organization
about the five
factors in the
guidelines.
Presents little
to no clarity in
formulating
conclusions or
organization
about the five
factors in the
guidelines.
Summary
Presents a logical
explanation for
findings; presents
clear
recommendations or
implications for future
research.
Presents a
logical
explanation for
findings.
Doesn’t
adequately
explain
findings.
Doesn’t
address or
explain
findings.
Mechanics and
Documentation
Is free or almost free
of errors of grammar,
spelling, and writing
mechanics;
documents sources
appropriately.
Has errors but
they don’t
represent a
major
distraction;
documents
sources.
Has errors that
obscure the
meaning of the
content or add
confusion;
neglects
important
sources or
documents few
to no
resources.
Document is
filled with
errors.
Adult Learning Theory
Name
Institution
Adult learning theory
Learning should not begin and end at formal education, but rather should be a lifelong process. As an adult, continued learning has significant impacts in many areas of life. Over the years, the world has been changing rapidly due to technological developments, changing and increasing skills demands, societal, economic, and cultural changes –all affecting how people live and work. As such, all adults must continue learning throughout their lives for personal and professional development (European Union, 2020). Continued learning enhances an individual skills, their employability as well as making them better prepared for any business ventures. Besides, it improves a person’s confidence and mental state (European Union, 2020).
Adult learning theory, developed by Malcolm Knowles in 1968, explains how adults learn. It describes the unique ways in which an adult appropriately respond to learning, and methods a trainer can utilize to make learning more beneficial (Merriam, 2008). The theory has been widely added and adapted for many years and works well in common training programs. In the workplace, adult learning is an effective way to maintain and improve knowledge and skills; support social and economic integration, inclusion, cohesion, and equality of vulnerable groups; meet individual’s, society’s, and employers’ skills needs while at the same alleviate projected skills shortages (European Union, 2020). Besides, it helps improve a person’s productivity, innovation, and maintain their competitiveness. Similarly, employers can leverage adult learning to retain, motivate and keep employees’ skills up to date (European Union, 2020).
Malcolm Knowles's theory of adult learning is based on five assumptions. These elements describe how adults perceive learning and ways in which they prefer to train. The assumptions include self-concept, readiness to learn, adult learner experience, motivation to learn, and orientation to learning. For example, the self-concept assumption outlines that as people grow older, they shift from being dependent to being more independent (Chinnasamy, 2013). As such, they prefer learning from instructor-led to a more self-directed approach. On the other hand, adults have accumulated lots of experience in their life which they rely on for knowledge and references. Also, adults prefer learning when there is a reason such as, skill growth and development (Chinnasamy, 2013). While children are motivated by incentives such as gifts, parents, and teachers, adults seek to learn for their reasons such as boosting self-esteem and progress in work (Merriam, 2008).
The four principles of Knowles adult learning theory include; first, adults always want to be involved in how their training is planned, conveyed, and implemented. Adults prefer to control, when, how, and what they learn. Secondly, adults learn much easier when they can relate to past experiences during the learning process. Unlike formal education where memorizing facts and information is key, adults prefer when they have to solve problems and reason. Lastly, adults like to know how they will apply the information into their lives and be ...
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