Application of Adult Learning Theory to STEM Education in Online Learning Environment

Adult learning in online communities of practice: A systematic review

“…Adult learning theory: adult learning theory provides a useful framework in which to explore learning and information exchange among individual adults to help inform their best practices (Velardi et al., 2020). Adult learning theory provides a framework of aspects and considerations of learning process but remains open and to accommodate a variety of different learning philosophies and theories, ranging from the behavioural over the cognitive to the constructivist, organisational and social (Kleinke & Lin, 2020). Self‐determined learning (heutagogy): The theory of self‐determined learning is described as an extension to andragogy (Agonács et al., 2020).…”

“…According to Cocquyt et al (2019), adult learners are self‐directed, life‐centred and possess an intrinsic motivation to learn personally relevant skills. Thus, adults tend to seek more autonomy and self‐directness in their learning activities (Kleinke & Lin, 2020). Likewise, Hashim et al.…”

“…Moreover, Salavsatru (2014) argues that knowledge comes from old experience that will be compared against new experiences in adult learning. Kleinke and Lin (2020) adds that adults have more experiences, both in number and in diversity, to draw from in their learning processes. Notably, this difference in the quality and quantity of prior experiences can be both a resource for and hinderers to adult learning.…”

“…He showed how adult learners are willing to develop new knowledge by learning new skills because it helps them solve a real professional problem in life. Adult learners seek to be actively involved in the learning process and to directly apply their gained experiences in a practical problem (Kleinke & Lin, 2020), engaging in the learning process when they perceive information presented in a real‐life situation (Velardi et al., 2020).…”

“…The researchers (Abu Bakar et al., 2017) also highlighted that adults may resist engaging if their learning processes are directed by others. Moreover, Kleinke and Lin (2020) and Tyler et al. (2020) described the hinderer of adult's prior experiences.…”