Applying Adult Learning Principles to Supervision

ABSTRACT

Supervision has always been a key component of audiologic training, but little consideration has been given to the student as learner during the supervision process. Since audiology graduate students are by definition adult learners, generally known by their self-actualizing and independent nature, supervisors should consider the literature in adult learning as they develop students' clinical skills. This article will describe Malcolm Knowles's theory of adult education (or andragogy) and the concept of self-directed learning, derived from the adult education literature. These concepts will be applied to the clinical supervision process in audiology.

KEYWORDS

Adult learning - andragogy - clinical supervision

REFERENCES

• 1 Anderson J L. The Supervisory Process in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Boston, MA; College-Hill Publication 1988
• 2 Knowles M S. The Adult Learner: A Neglected Species. Houston, TX; Gulf 1990
• 3 Knowles M S. The Modern Practice of Adult Education: Andragogy versus Pedagogy. New York, NY; Association Press 1980
• 4 Elias J L, Merriam S. Philosophical Foundations of Adult Education. Malabar, FL; Krieger 1980
• 5 McWhinney W. Education for the third quarter of life.  The Journal of Continuing Higher Education. 1990;  38 14-20
• 6 Cavaliere L A, Sgroi A. Learning for personal development.  N Dir Adult Contin Educ. 1992;  53 6-8 73 75
• 7 Rogers C R. Freedom to Learn. Columbus, OH; Merrill 1969
• 8 Knowles M S. Andragogy: adult learning theory in perspective.  Community College Review. 1978;  5 54
• 9 Brookfield S D. Understanding and facilitating adult learning. San Francisco, CA; Jossey-Bass 1986
• 10 Suanmali C. The Core Concepts of Andragogy [dissertation]. New York, NY; Teachers College, Columbia University 1981
• 11 Mezirow J. Perspective transformation.  Adult Educ. 1978;  28 100-119
• 12 Shapiro D. An Experimental and Descriptive Analysis of Supervisees' Commitments and Follow-Through Behaviors as One Measure of Supervisory Effectiveness in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology [dissertation]. Bloomington, IN; Indiana University 1994
• 13 Gessner R The Democratic Man: Selected Writings of Edward C Lindeman. Boston, MA; Beacon 1956
• 14 McCrea E S, Brasseur J A. The Supervisory Process in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Boston, MA; Allyn & Bacon 2003
• 15 Chesbro S B, Davis L A. Applying Knowles' model of andragogy to individualized osteoporosis education.  Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy. 2002;  25 8-11