ERIC Number: ED472604
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2002
Pages: 4
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Adult Learning in Cohort Groups. Practice Application Brief No. 24.
Imel, Susan
A form of group learning, cohorts, has become increasingly attractive to administrators, instructors, and participants in adult education. Basic academic skills cohort learning supports three types of knowing: instrumental, socializing, and self-authoring; whereas, in higher and adult education cohort learning, the development of critical reflection and knowledge construction is the focus. Cohort learners report such positive effects as increased critical thinking skills, greater individual development, enhanced knowledge base, and learning motivation. Some research has revealed that not all cohorts work well, due to characteristics and behaviors of group members. Actual measurement of cohort learning outcomes has been inadequately studied. Educators can enhance the cohort experience by doing the following: (1) developing group relationships at the beginning; (2) balancing group and individual development; (3) providing an environment that both supports and challenges; and 4) acknowledging and addressing group and individual tensions. (Contains 12 references.) (AJ)
Descriptors: Academic Ability, Academic Achievement, Adult Development, Adult Education, Adult Learning, Adult Students, Affective Measures, Cognitive Measurement, Cohort Analysis, Critical Thinking, Curriculum Design, Curriculum Development, Group Behavior, Group Discussion, Group Dynamics, Group Instruction, Grouping (Instructional Purposes), Identification (Psychology), Knowledge Level, Learning Theories, Literature Reviews, Outcomes of Education, Peer Groups, Postsecondary Education, Program Effectiveness, Reference Groups, Student Attitudes, Teacher Role, Teacher Student Relationship, Transformative Learning
For full text: http://www.ericacve.org/pubs.asp.
Publication Type: ERIC Publications
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC.
Authoring Institution: ERIC Clearinghouse on Adult, Career, and Vocational Education, Columbus, OH.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A