Which statement is NOT a Knowles' principle of adult learning?

Which statement is NOT a Knowles' principle of adult learning?

• A. Adults should be involved in planning and evaluation
• B. Experience provides the basis for learning
• C. Adults learn best when material is memorized and content-oriented
• D. Adult learning is problem-centered

Answer: (C)

Knowles' adult learning theory (andragogy) emphasizes that adults bring a wealth of experience to learning, should participate in planning and evaluating their education, and learn best when the content is organized around real-world tasks and is problem-centered with immediate applicability. The statement that suggests adults learn best when material is memorized and content-oriented runs counter to this approach, since memorization and a focus on abstract content treat learners as passive recipients rather than active, experienced, problem-solvers. In contrast, involving adults in planning and evaluation, recognizing their prior experience as the foundation for new learning, and framing learning around solving real problems all align with Knowles' principles. Therefore, the memorization/content-oriented option is not a Knowles principle.

Knowles' adult learning theory (andragogy) emphasizes that adults bring a wealth of experience to learning, should participate in planning and evaluating their education, and learn best when the content is organized around real-world tasks and is problem-centered with immediate applicability. The statement that suggests adults learn best when material is memorized and content-oriented runs counter to this approach, since memorization and a focus on abstract content treat learners as passive recipients rather than active, experienced, problem-solvers. In contrast, involving adults in planning and evaluation, recognizing their prior experience as the foundation for new learning, and framing learning around solving real problems all align with Knowles' principles. Therefore, the memorization/content-oriented option is not a Knowles principle.