I think constructivism is one of the most important theories for adult learning. Essentially, the theory states that “people actively construct or make their own knowledge, and that reality is determined by your experiences as a learner. Basically, learners use their previous knowledge as a foundation and build on it with new things that they learn.” (WGU, 2020) This directly relates to the concept of andragogy, which addresses adults as being self-directed learners who draw on their past experiences.
This theory has certainly helped me the most during my undergrad and graduate work at UOPX. Building on my previous experiences and relating the new knowledge to my existing skill set has made learning much easier for me than pedagogy ever was, especially as I’ve been living with dysgraphia and ADHD my whole life.
One good example would be the inventory database training course I’ve been designing as part of my AET program. I once took such a class for one of my employers, and I’ve had almost twenty years’ experience operating using those programs for two separate employers. I incorporated this theory in my design by tailoring the course for experienced users who are transitioning to a new system from an existing one.
References
National Center for Learning Disabilities. (2021). What is Dysgraphia? Retrieved from LD Online: http://www.ldonline.org/article/12770/
WGU. (2020, May 27). What is constructivism? Retrieved from WGU: Western Governors University: https://www.wgu.edu/blog/what-constructivism2005.html
Mallory Jones 