EIST 6101 - 8101 The Adult Learner
Course Outline 

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
College of Education
Department of Educational Leadership
Course Outline

  COURSE NUMBER: EIST 6101 and 8101               CREDIT HOURS: (3)

 COURSE TITLE: The Adult Learner

 CATALOG DESCRIPTION (3) The focus of this course will be on the examination of how adults learn in instructional settings. Characteristics of the adult learner will be examined. Students will investigate adult learning theory as well as current trends and advancements in adult learning. The focus will be on making better instructional decisions and media selection for the education and training of adults. (Summer & Fall)

 COURSE PREREQUISITES: None

COURSE COREQUISITES: None

COURSE RATIONALE AND RELATIONSHIP TO CURRENT PROGRAMS AND PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS:

 This course is required for Master’s Degree students in Instructional Systems Technology. The course is also designed to help fulfill the cognate or elective requirements of students enrolled in the Educational Administration Ed.D. as well as students in Ph.D. programs in Special Education, Counseling, and the  program in Curriculum and Instruction at UNC-Charlotte.  The course will cover the concepts and principals of adult learning.  Students will analyze a current educational system.  Students will also study the current trends in the practice of adult learning as well as adult learning theory.  Differentiated assignments are included for Master’s as well as Doctoral students.  The course will be offered and listed under both course numbers in the Fall of each academic year. 

 COURSE OBJECTIVES:

                1.              Define  Andragogy
2.               Analyze major theories of learning as they relate to adults
3.               Provide practical examples of the difference between Adult learning theory and
                  other major learning theories
4.               Classify examples of the families of teaching models
5.               Explain the relationship between Adult Learning and Human
                  Resource Development
6.               Summarize current trends and future trends in adult learning
7.               Define “best practices” in adult learning
8.               Classify examples of the  W-P-W Learning Model
9.               Define the role of the Adult Learning Instructor
10.             Define and develop adult learning contracts
11.             Identify critical components for planning adult learning courses
12.             Summarize several accepted training delivery models
13.             Analyze human resource models and explain how each might influence and
                    effectiveness
14.              Classify examples of learning and work performance
15.             Identify web resources for adult learners

COURSE CONTENT:

  1. Introduction to Andragogy
  2. Theories of Learning
  3. A Theory of Adult Learning
  4. Theories of Teaching
  5. Adult Learning and Human Resource Development
  6. New Directions in Adult Learning – Current and Future Trends
  7. Current Practice Adult Learning
  8. The W-P-W Learning Model
  9. The role of the Adult Learning Instructor
  10. Learning Contracts
  11. Planning Adult Learning Courses
  12. Training Delivery – Novice and Experienced Trainers – Case Studies
  13. Human Resource Models and Effectiveness 
  14. Learning and Work Performance

Overall Course Activities:

Reading the Text
Completion of the Course Reading Guide
Completion of online discussion activities (Group and Individual)
Paper – Learning Theory : Analysis for use with Adults
Paper – Human Resource Development (Doctoral Students)
Case Study Reactions (Doctoral Students)
Midterm Examination
Final Examination

Course Requirements:

Master’s Students                                                                                                                             

Requirements

Points

Percent

Course Reading Guide - and Discussion Participation

200       

                20

Paper – Learning Theory or Web Resources for Adult Learners

150

15

Completion of class online weekly web activities

250

25

Midterm Exam      

200

20

Final Exam            

200

20

Total Points

1000

100

Course Reading Guide and Discussion Participation Assignments:
Students will need to follow the course schedule and use the posted deadlines for completion of their reading guide assignments. Each reading guide assignment should be completed by the end of the week indicated and materials should be sent to the instructor via email at two points during the semester. The first set of reading guides 1-8 will be due near the midterm exam.  The second set of reading guides 9- the end of the text will be due at the time of the final exam.  Please see the course schedule for specific dates. If you should have any questions about the reading guides or the chapters you have read, please post your questions on the Reading Guide Discussion.  By posting questions on the Reading Guide Discussion you should be able to get clarification regarding responses from other students and/or the instructor.

Each week, you should visit the course discussion on Friday Evening after 6:00 PM and interact with the other students regarding the reading guide questions for that week. Part of your grade for the Course Reading Guide will depend on your participation in the course online discussions.  Each week the instructor may also post additional questions for the online discussion some time before 6:00 PM on Friday Evening.    

Weekly Web Assignments:
It is critical that each student access course materials using the proper web browsers.

 

Browsers

Students and faculty can access the WebCT Course Management Tools through a web browser such as Netscape or Internet Explorer. The WebCT Tools reside on a WebCT Server (a central host computer). It is necessary to make sure computer settings are optimized for running a WebCT course. This means using a recommended browser, with Java enabled, and the cache set to reload every time. Our current version of WebCT is CE (Campus Edition) 4.1. The list on the right shows the WebCT & 49er Express approved browsers and some notes where applicable.

Hardware

Your minimum hardware requirements should be at least those for your operating system, your browser, and any associated applications (software) that you are using. The main items to check for are the processor and amount of memory that you have in your computer. Depending on what applications (software) you are utilizing, your sound card and video card may also need to be considered.

Supported Browser List for WebCT

 
Browser
Version
Windows 95, 98, NT
 
  Internet Explorer (MSIE)
5.5 SP2 and 6.0
  Netscape
6.2x *
  AOL
7.0
Windows 2000, XP
 
  Internet Explorer (MSIE)
5.5 SP2 and 6.0
  Netscape
–––
  AOL
7.0
Macintosh OS 9.x
 
  Internet Explorer (MSIE)
5.1
  Netscape
6.2x *
  AOL
–––
Macintosh OS X  
  Internet Explorer (PDF 248k)
 
NOTE: MSIE 5.2.3 is not compatible with WebCT. If you have upgraded to 5.2.3 or are an OS 10.3 (Panther) user you will need to download the above pdf document for instructions on downloading and installing MSIE 5.2.2.
* may require an updated Java plug-in

You will also need to review the following plug-in information and make sure your browser is set accordingly.

Plug-ins
 

Required WebCT browser plug-ins: Java
Frequently used plug-in: Acrobat Reader
 
Java Test:
If you can see the coffee cup on the right, you will not need to download an updated Java plug-in. If not, Download Java plug-in from Sun.
 
Acrobat Reader test:
If clicking on the PDF icon opens a document in a new window that has text and pictures, you have the Acrobat Reader. You may first need to save, then open the document to view it. If not, Download Acrobat Reader.		 Adobe PDF icon
 

Other Recommended Plug-ins that you may want to use for multimedia content include Flash Player, QuickTime Player, Real Media Player, and Shockwave Player. To test for their presence, and download if necessary, please see http://www.uncc.edu/webct/WCT_FACULTY/information/browserplugins.html.
Setup (Options/Preference Settings)

Internet Explorer

Netscape

For more detailed in formation regarding the use of your browser please visit the URL below:

http://www.uncc.edu/webct/WCT_FACULTY/information/browsersetup.html

Please check the course web site for weekly assignments and follow the directions posted on the website.  The course discussion is the place to post your weekly web assignments.  The course discussion is for the students to use as a forum for sharing information with other students.  In addition to posting on time, you should also interact with other students by replying to their postings.  The grading of the weekly web assignments is based on a combination of timeliness of the postings, the quality of the postings,  frequency of interactions with other student postings and the quality of those interactions. Your reading guide responses count as well. Please review the course weekly web assignments and the course schedule for more specific information.

Use of Email:
All students will be required to use their official UNC Charlotte email accounts for this course.  All mail will be sent and received using the UNC Charlotte 49er Express based email system.  For more information regarding the use of your UNC Charlotte email account please visit the following URL:

http://www.labs.uncc.edu/studserv/49er.html#email

You may wish to use the UNC Charlotte Account to forward all email to some other account. All course materials and correspondence will be sent to your Official UNC Charlotte account.

Research Paper - Learning Theory:    
Each student will complete a 10 page (double-spaced) research paper.  The paper should describe the views of two theorists explain what these theories have to do with adult learning theory as described in the course text.  The paper should go into more depth regarding the two theorists including some short historical background, and an overview of the theory.  The theorists used in the paper must be ones discussed in the course textbook. References should be provided using current APA format (APA 5).  (Check the UNC Charlotte bookstore for the current APA style manual.) The paper should also identify and explain critical differences in the general and adult learning theories. For basic information on APA style you might wish to visit the following URL's
 http://www.wooster.edu/psychology/apa-crib.html
http://www.vanguard.edu/faculty/ddegelman/index.cfm?doc_id=796
 http://webster.commnet.edu/apa/apa_index.htm
http://www.apastyle.org/elecref.html

Electronic Reference Formats:
 http://www.apa.org/journals/webref.html

Research Paper - Please select two theorists to examine.  Using the internet and the library write a description of the theories.  You must include primary source materials (written by the theorist) in your references.

Your paper should:
1. not exceed 10 double-spaced pages.
2. use American Psychological Association (APA) style for all references - Check the bookstore and the library for the APA style manual.  
3. provide an overview of the first theorist. (Must be one discussed in the text)
4. provide an overview of the second theorist. (Must be one discussed in the text)
5. provide insight into how the theorist have influenced  adult learning. 
6. be duplicated in hard copy and on disk.
7. be mailed or delivered to the course instructor in both forms no later than 5:00 PM on the due date. 


All Research Papers will be screened using the turnitin Software.  For more information on the use of this software please visit the following.

Click on the Logo

And


UNC Charlotte Information on the use of turnitin.


Students should use this software as a learning tool.  It can help you make revisions in your paper related to quotations, citations, and paraphrasing.  The software should b e used before you turn in your paper.


Criteria for the evaluation of the completed Research Paper:

Does not exceed 10 double-spaced pages

10 point

Properly uses APA format for references

15 points

Overview of learning theory

35 points

Overview of clinical psychologist

30 points

Description of how the selected theory and psychologist have influenced adult learning

30 points

Overall quality of paper

30 points

Total Points Possible

150 points
 

Web Resources for Adult Learners: This may be selected by students as an option to the Learning Theory Research Paper by Masters Students. This assignment may also be selected by doctoral students to replace the Learning theory research paper of the HRD Paper. This assignment would be due at the same time as the Research Paper.  The format for the Web Resources for Adult Learners would be created in a Microsoft Word 2000 or higher document.  The student would research and report on 15 different web sites that provide resource materials for those who would be instructing adult learners.  The web sites could be professional organization sites, University sites, Community College sites or Public School System sites that include information about adult learners, adult learning theory, tutorials, instructional tips for teaching adults, etc.

The Word document  should include the following information for each web site:

Your Name and the Date
URL for the site (The URL should be a HotLink)
Owner or Sponsor for the site
An annotation about the site - that includes purpose, content, and  potential uses.
Your comments about the quality of the site and a rating of from 1 to 4 stars with 4 stars being the best.

Each resources should be contained in a table similar to the following:

Your Name and the Date John A. Gretes - May 2004
URL for the site http://education.uncc.edu/ist
Owner or Sponsor for the site UNC Charlotte EDLD Department.
An annotation about the site - that includes purpose, content, and  potential uses.
This site provides links for Instructional Systems Technology Master's Degree students at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The site includes information in the following topics.
 
Degree Program Description
Degree Program Planning Sheet
Basic Admission Requirements
Course Descriptions
Approved - Related Coursework
IST Master's Degree Course Offering Sequence
Related Web Links for Students
Online Graduate Survey Forms
Online Graduate Program Surveys for MSA, C&S and Ed.D.
Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA) and UNC Charlotte Policy

The site can be used by students to access information regarding the program and locate required forms and view specific deadlines and program requirements.
Your comments about the quality of the site and a rating of from 1 to 4 stars with 4 stars being the best.
Since I created the site I think it is very well organized and students report the site is very valuable to them as students and graduates of the program.



 



Midterm Exam: Rrequired of Master's students. The Midterm exam for the course will be given online under secure conditions. The content will deal with the first eight chapters of the text as well as content from the online discussions. The exam is taken on WebCT via 49er Express. 

For more information on how to use WebCT for your exams, please visit:  http://www.uncc.edu/webct/WCT_STUDENT/index.html .

Final Exam: The final exam for the course will be given online under secure conditions. The content will deal with all 17 chapters of the text as well as content from the online discussions.  Both Master's and Doctoral students are required to take the final exam.

To take the Final Exam please visit the following URL: http://www.uncc.edu/webct
The exam is taken on WebCT.  Before you take the test please visit the following URL for instructions: http://education.uncc.edu/jagretes/6101Using%20WebCT%20for%20exams%20F01.htm

To take the Final Exam please visit the 49er Express

Doctoral Students

Requirement

Points

Percentage

Course Reading Guide

50

5%

Weekly Web Assignments

150

15%

Paper – Learning Theory or Web Resources for Adult Learners  (Web Resources assignment can only be used once to replace either the Learning Theory Paper or the HRD Paper)

150

15%

Paper – Human Resource Development  or Web Resources for Adult Learners Web Resources assignment can only be used once to replace either the Learning Theory Paper or the HRD Paper)      

150

15%

3 Case Studies                                     

300

30%

Final Exam            

200

20%

Total Points

1000

100%

Grading Scale:
950-1000 = A (Outstanding)
900-949   = B (Good)
850-899   = C (Marginal)
Below 849 = F (Failure)

Required Text and Reading Guide

*Knowles, Malcolm S., Holton E.F., and Swanson R.A., (1998) The adult learner:
The definitive classic in adult education and human resource development,
Houston: Texas, Gulf Publishing Company. (ISBN 0-88415-115-8)

 *Gretes, John A., Pinkham, L., Beatty, L., and Fisher, J., (2000) The adult learner: A
                reading guide, College of Education, Department of Educational Administration,
                Research, and Technology.

 * Indicates Required Course Text

Current readings in the field – Journal Articles for the following Sources:

I. Adult Learning:

   Active Learning
   Focus on Basics       
   Inside Technology Training
   LearningBuzz.com 
   New Horizons in Adult Education 
   The Technology Source       
   Training
   Training Journal
   THE Journal

II. Technology:

    Classroom Computer Learning
    Communication Education
    Computers in Human Behavior
    Computers in the Schools
    Educational Computer
    Educational Technology
    Instructional Innovator
    Journal of Computer-Assisted Learning
    Journal of Computer-Based Instruction
    Journal of Educational Computing Research
    Journal of Educational Technology Systems
    Journal of Instructional Development
    Journal of Technology and Teacher Education
    Media in Education and Development

ATTENDANCE - Since this course involves the learning of materials and the development of skills that are not 100% available in the required text it is very important that you attend and participate in all class sessions.  If you need to miss class for any reason, you are responsible for notifying the instructor as soon as possible.  Due to the nature of the course content and the limited amount of class time available during the semester, to learn the required content and develop the needed design skills, attendance and class participation are critical.  The instructor reserves the right to deduct 1 to 5 points from the final grade for irregular attendance and or lack of class participation.

GRADE OF INCOMPLETE - The grade of "I" or incomplete will only be given if a student is unable to complete the semester due to illness or for acceptable personal reasons.  The student is responsible to meet with the instructor to gain approval for the grade of "I".  Before the grade of "I" can be assigned, the student and the instructor must complete the College of Education form and develop a plan for the completion of the required work. Students must complete the required work during the semester and will only be given extensions of time to complete assignments based on prior approval by the instructor.     

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY: UNC Charlotte Academic Regulations and Student Responsibilities are printed in the current UNC Charlotte Catalog. Please refer to this section of the catalog for specific information. In addition to the responsibilities specified by the University, for this course, students are responsible to keep up with all assignments and deadlines noted in this course outline and in all other course materials including those posted on the fileserver during the semester. You can read the complete description of the Academic Regulations at the following web address: http://www.uncc.edu/gradmiss/gs_forms.html 

 

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: UNC Charlotte has a set of regulations regarding student conduct. Specific information on academic integrity, student responsibility and other policy statements may be found in the University catalog. Please take the time to read these statements so that you might become better informed about policy that influences your academic life at UNC Charlotte. The complete policy can be read at the following web address: http://www.uncc.edu/gradmiss/gs_forms.html

Current readings in the field –
Journal Articles for the following Sources:

I. Adult Learning:

    Active Learning
    Focus on Basics       
    Inside Technology Training
    LearningBuzz.com 
    New Horizons in Adult Education 
    The Technology Source       
    Training
    Training Journal
    THE Journal

II. Technology:

    Classroom Computer Learning
    Communication Education
    Computers in Human Behavior
    Computers in the Schools
    Educational Computer
    Educational Technology
    Instructional Innovator
    Journal of Computer-Assisted Learning
    Journal of Computer-Based Instruction
    Journal of Educational Computing Research
    Journal of Educational Technology Systems
    Journal of Instructional Development
    Journal of Technology and Teacher Education
    Media in Education and Development

This page last revised by John A. Gretes 01/24/2005

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