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CLASS 9:
Role of the "Teacher" in Adult Education

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Objectives:
At the end of this lesson you should be able to:

  • Compare and contrast the many "schools of thought" on the role of the adult educator.

  • Examine the role of the Extension Agent (historical, contemporary, and future) in adult education.

  • Assess and reflect on your role as an educator of adults.

In this lesson, we will examine the role of the teacher in adult education.

Extension Teaching
   CALS Teaching Duplin Extension
Instructional Activities:
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Read Chapter 13,  "From Teacher to Facilitator of Learning," in The Adult Learner by Knowles et al.

small red globe Brookfield has unique perspectives on the role of the teacher in adult learning.  Read "The Facilitator's Role in Adult Learning" from Understanding and Facilitating Adult Learning (1986).  This reading can be found in the Class 9 folder in WebCT Vista.
small red globe Imel summarizes the literature of the day related to the many roles for adult educators.
small red globe One of the prominent adult educators in Agricultural and Extension Education is the Extension Agent.  Has the role of the Extension Agent changed over the years?  Read Gallaher and Santopolo's views on this topic from 1967 which appeared in the Journal of Cooperative Extension (now Journal of Extension).  Are Gallaher and Santopolo's views on Extension Agent roles still applicable today?  Are there additional roles that have evolved over the years?  Do you foresee changes to the role(s) of Extension Agent in the future (5, 10, 20 years)?
small red globe Some believe one of the roles of the adult educator is to help adult learners to to think critically.  Read the views of Jones on this subject in "Teaching Clientele What or How to Think" from the Journal of Extension.  What are your thoughts?
small red globe Hear what adult learners have to say about effective teacher practice (and teacher roles) related to learner-centered education in this study from China.
Assignments: Discussion:
  • Reflect on this week's class and your current (or future) role as an adult educator.  What role or roles have you assumed in the past?  How does your philosophy of adult education affect your view of your role?  Will the way you approach your role as an adult educator change as a result of this class (and others)?  Share your thoughts on this week's discussion board.
  • Review Upcoming Assignments: Personal Reflection Journal #3 (Class 8-10; March 29); Revised Philosophy of Adult Education (April 19); Adult Learner Interview (April 26), Personal Reflection Journal #4 (Class 11-14; April 26)
 After you finish this lesson go to the course discussion board and respond to the question posted (and at least one peer's response).
 
 


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