Adult Learning: Theories, Principles, and Applications

Self-Study Examination

Instructions: After studying the text answer the following true/false or multiple choice questions. Remember, there's only one answer to each question.

1.	When we say that adults are autonomous and self-directed, it means that:

a) adults undertake training for a specific reason which they want to achieve
b) adults will direct their own learning based on their objectives and final goal
c) adults want to learn to gain skills for practical application either for their jobs or daily activities
d) adults need to see the value of learning something new

2.	Which of the following is a characteristic of an adult learner?

a) quickly learn isolated facts and concepts
b) resistant to learning non-relevant material
c) directed by others
d) readiness to learn is determined by biological development

3.	A key focus for adult learners is to ensure that they have learned the information taught. When they have the ability to apply or practice what they have learned in a new setting, this is called:

a) motivation
b) reinforcement
c) retention
d) transference

4.	Adults have little awareness of their security needs except in times of emergency or periods of disorganization in the social structure. This statement is generally:

a) True
b) False

5.	Which of the following is most appropriate for an adult learning presentation?

a) an interactive lecture With guided audience participation
b) a lecture with limited audience question
c) a problem-focused presentation rather than information-focused
d) a and c

6.	Adult development proceeds from

a) secure to self-involved
b) details to the ability to see the whole picture
c) independence to dependency
d) one of immediate application to one of postponed knowledge application

7.	As an individual matures,

a) adult’s self concept moves from dependency to self-direction
b) adult accumulates a growing reservoir of experiences that becomes a resource for learning
c) adult's learning readiness becomes decreasingly oriented to the task of various social roles
d) a and b

8.	Which of the following statements is true about teaching adult learners?

a) when teaching adults, you should never use the lecture method
b) adults are motivated to learn economic factors alone
c) active learner participation often disrupts learning
d) it important for adult learners to know why they are learning a piece of information and how they will be able to use it

9.	Rank the 5 levels of the cognitive domain from lowest (least amount of brain power) to highest (highest intellectual skill) 1.analysis 2.evaluation 3.knowledge 4.synthesis 5.comprehension

a) 3 5 1 4 2
b) 1 2 3 5 4
c) 5 3 1 4 2
d) 3 5 4 1 2

10.	When the adult learner volunteers with a feeling of satisfaction, this corresponds to what levels of the affective domain?

a) receiving
b) responding
c) valuing
d) comprehension

11.	If you are teaching a class that involves learning new psychomotor skills, the best method of instruction would be:

a) demonstration
b) case study
c) lecture
d) role-playing

12.	Once you select an instructional method, you must stick with it throughout the entire program

a) True
b) False

13.	When you recognize and respect those things that the adult values, which characteristics of the adult learner are you implicating?

a) the adult learner is most interested in information and ideas that solve problems that they are presently faced with
b) the adult learner is motivated from within him/herself
c) the adult learner is most interested in information that can be immediately applied
d) the adult learner has considerable experience to draw upon

14.	Most learning theories assume the individual must have direct experiences in order to learn. What learning theory contends that much of learning occurs by observation other people and seeing what happens to them?

a) behaviorists learning theory
b) social learning theory
c) cognitive learning theory
d) humanistic learning theory

15.	In examining the elements of the education process and the role of the nurse as educator, there are many questions that can be posed with respect to the principles of teaching and learning. Which of the following questions must be considered first?

a) What elements need to be taken into account when developing and implementing teaching plans?
b) What determinants influence the learner's behavior?
c) What resources are available for teaching-learning process?
d) What are the ethical and legal issues involved in adult education?