Adult Learning Theory – Application in K12

Dr. Joel Merenstein, M.D. wrote a piece titled “Does Adult Learning Theory Apply to Children“.

My summation of his article is that we need to focus on two primary goals when working with our students: Learning comes from 1) teaching others and/or 2) practice by doing.

As I think about this, this may very well work for those with learning styles that support these two applications but what about the interpersonal student. The one who likes to read and think – process the information. I believe these two applications are good in terms more of assessment than learning. These are good ways to find out if the student knows what they have learned as it give us a window into their world. Now granted, in his profession of teaching medical students, this is probably more important than, for example, a literature student. I just don’t want to lose site that every student is unique and will learn and show their learning differently.