Adult Learning Theory

Adult Learning Theory: Also known as andragogy, this theory suggests that adults are self-directed and expect to take responsibilities for decisions.

(Source: Knowles, M. (1970). The Modern Practice of Adult Education, from Pedagogy to Andragogy. New Jersey; Prentice Hall Regents.)

In the field of social work, adult learning may apply to the way you handle treating a patient or student with anger issues. You can argue with them, which can make things worse, or you can let them lead the way, have them vent their frustrations, and just listen to them to help them calm down. I know this, because this happened to me at my first internship with a students, and I drew pictures with her, and on some occassions, just had conversations with her to calm down.

In terms of other fields, like science adult learning may  apply to learning (through being self-taught) about different elements and their uses, and making decisions on what to invent from them (being an inventor). Some examples include Benjamin Franklin (bifocals, electricity), George Washington Carver (hundreds of patents out of a peanut), James Watt (Steam engine) and Elijah Mccoy (57 patents pertaining to the lubrication of steam engines).