What do you think is the best learning theory for adults in training field?

repeating the same thing until it's learned

Andragogy is the art and science of helping adults learn. Malcolm Knowles is the father of andragogy as he proposed five factors involved in adult learning.

The five assumptions underlying andragogy describe the adult learner as someone who:

• Has an independent self-concept and who can direct his or her own learning
• Has accumulated a reservoir of life experiences that is a rich resource for learning
• Has learning needs closely related to changing social roles
• Is problem-centered and interested in immediate application of knowledge
• Is motivated to learn by internal rather than external factors (Merriam, 2001, p.5)

Knowles used these principles to propose a program for the design, implementation and evaluation of adult learning. Since the development of his theory, Knowles has acknowledged that the principles he outlined did not apply solely to adult education. The development of the theory simply illustrates that the designer "should involve learners in as many aspects of their education as possible and in the creation of a climate in which they can most fruitfully learn" (Merriam, 2001, p.7). Knowles' main focus with the development of andragogy was the notion of the material being very learner centered and the learner being very self-directed.

Principles:

• Adults need to be involved in the planning and evaluation of their instruction
• Experience (including mistakes) provides the basis for learning activities
• Adults are most interested in learning about subjects that have immediate relevance to their job or personal life
• Adult learning is problem-centered rather than content-oriented

Bloom Theory Go through the learning process in accordance with this theory in several stages, each one depends on the other and a progressive manner so that they can not reach the stage of the completion phase, which preceded. Stages of learning according to this theory are: Knowledge: The information is learned by remembering its general content, either by remembering or perception. Assimilation: The information is learned through interpretation or translation if needed....

Application: information is being learned by applying it in a new context is different from the context in which they learned it. Analysis: The information is learned through segmentation and analysis of the new information. Installation (combined): the information being learned new information linking the old information and installed and integrated into a new and different ways so that they can come out with new concepts. Rating: information is being learned by linking the background of the former trainees from the same information and final evaluation of the new information back to the person he deems appropriate.

With all the theories out there and adult learner who comes with years of learning and life experiences can be rooted to the Maslow's hierarchy needs. Each learner has a need. In a job environment it can be the need for recognition, a better pay, the feeling of having achieving something, etc. If the training program establishes that the result of the training will/could lead to any or more of the needs the adult learner will be motivated and focused. Then one can address the learning theories , methodologies and learning styles of the the adult learner.