Overview

Face to Face delivery

Session 1 Overview of module. Introduction to key theories and debates: Towards an educational psychology of the older adult learner: Intellectual and cognitive bases.

Session 2 Retention Revisited: Contributory factors in non-completers in FE&HE. Expectations, reality, past educational experiences, practical concerns and social integration.

Session 3 Research exercise – Systematic Training Design Global Characteristics of Adult Learners (age, experience, history), motivation and organisational climate, knowledge transfer into practice. Myth of Gerontology

Session 4 "Electronic Distance Education Andragogy of self directed learning (Heutagogy)"

Session 5 "Career pathways and trajectory of late adult learners. Rethinking Universities: The Social Functions of Higher Education Aspects of the Contemporary Higher Educational System as Intended and Constructed.

Assignment & Tutorial Support"

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -50%, Pass: Some consideration given to planning and structure, limited in depth of analysis and use of research, but demonstrating some understanding of the subject matter.50-59%, Pass: Clear evidence of planning leading to a good structure, sound understanding of theories and analysis, and good use of research supported by appropriate evidence. -good -60-69%, Merit: Shows significant insight, offers sustained and relevant analysis, well researched and referenced and written with a clear structure and style. -excellent -70-84%, Distinction: Demonstrates excellence in power of analysis, argument, originality, range of research, organisation and stylistic quality.85-100%, Distinction: Outstanding work which demonstrates exceptional scholarship and is worthy of publication, or instrumental in developing professional practice.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically appraise, analyse and synthesise a range of key theoretical perspectives and debates framing adult learning and adult education.

• Critically evaluate the affordances and challenges to adult learning and how these may impact your learning experiences and professional practice.

• Demonstrate a critical awareness of theoretical underpinnings of practical approaches relating to your own and others’ action research projects and how these may impact on your own professional practice in particular and communities in general.

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the complex relationships between the adult learner and teaching and learning contexts viewed through theoretical perspectives on learning.