Course Project Assignment: Synthesis of Learning Theories

Course Project: You need to do a thorough course project paper each week because you will use the Week 1 through Week 6 course project work for your Final Project.
Important:

1. Please do not skip any assignments because you will need all course project work from Week 1 thru Week 6 for the Final Course Project. You will not be using Application 7 for the Final Course Project.

2. You should be working on revisions throughout the course. Please work on the recommended revisions from your instructor in content and writing each week. Do not wait until week 8 to do revisions. In grading your Final Project, the instructor will check to see that revisions have been done from original submissions.

This week you have considered a number of theories of adult learning and reflected on the degree to which they support or contradict one another. Now it is time to apply what you have learned about adult learning theory to your own experiences and belief systems. Complete the following:

Part 1: Synthesis (2-3 pages)

Consider the theories you learned about this week as they relate to your experiences as an adult learner. Which theories, or aspects of theories, resonate with you and why? Which are most applicable to the ways you learn and why? Which are least applicable and why?

Include a description of how you learn, a process that has been shaped by the context of your life, your informal and formal educational experiences, and the society in which you live. Explain which elements of the theories you learned about this week apply to you and why.

Be specific, provide concrete examples, and cite your sources. If you choose, you may include a visual representation or graphic to illustrate your theory that supports the information you provided in your narrative.

Part 2: Reflection (1-2 pages)

Reflect on the synthesis that you wrote for Part 1. Consider how you might apply it to help you become a more effective adult educator.

Address the following:

How might your new understanding of adult learning theories affect your current or future work as an adult educator?

In what ways might you need to broaden or deepen your thinking in order to help adults, other than you, to learn successfully?

Are there any other insights related to the process of creating Part 1 of this assignment that you would like to reflect on and share in this section of the assignment?

Be specific and provide concrete examples. Refer to this week's Learning Resources. Use required course materials to support what you are saying and cite in APA format. Include Optional Resources from the Resource Page or other resources that you have found on your own-as additional creditable sources to qualify for an A.

To earn a grade of A: Use creditable sources in addition to course videos and required readings and cite in APA format. Include additional resources and not just required resources. On the Resource Page each week: The Learning Resources are divided into three areas: Required Reading, Media, and Optional Resources (supplemental). Optional Resources (supplemental) count as additional resources.

The following Internet resources are unacceptable for citation purposes:

*Walden does not allow the following for graduate school. Please use a scholarly, professional, reliable source.

Wikipedia
WikiInfo
Anarcopedia
Edutopia
Cliff's Notes

How to do a Reflection or Reflective Essay

When you write a Reflection, you include your insights. You support what you are saying with course materials. Include information from course materials. Include Optional Resources or Outside Sources-in addition to required course materials. Cite in APA format.

Important: Reflection involves more than your opinions/viewpoints. You should support what you are saying with course materials and other resources.

Please note that the same Rubric that is used for Applications, is also used for Reflections/Reflective Essays. Therefore, the requirements are the same for Reflections/Reflective Essays and Applications. Yes, for Reflective Essays you need a reference list, in-text citations, and an outside source (If you desire an A, you still need an outside source--in addition to the text).

Remember to use correct APA style for any citations in your work.

Note: This Application Assignment is the first section of your Course Project: How Adults Learn. Refer to the Grading & Rubrics area to guide your work.

(Assignment total length: 3-5 pages)