Discussion 5.1-Adult Phase Theory

The challenges of being a learner at your age. Human development is a challenge for a learner at any age because it is unknown to the learner what to expect. Most oftentimes, learners are unaware of Erikson's model of human development. The challenges of being a learner at my age are generative,self-absorbed, and avoiding stagnation.The generative challenge is significant according to Erikson because I am very concern about instilling culture and family values as well as creating a stable environment for them. In my middle adult phase strength is important because generates teaching care of others hoping it will contribute to a social change in our society. I oftentimes fear being unproductive or wasting meaningless time doing nothing each day. At this point in my life I am most concern about creativity and family security because in about 12 years I will enter the final stage of development which is old age.Consequently, the challenges of being a learner at my age is reinforcing love of family, creativity, meaningful work, stable environment that direct me to focus and engage with total self-absorption. A learner at my age must manage challenges of middle adulthood to maintain important relationships within the workplace, community and family.The joys of being a learner at my age are feelings of accomplishment in a challenging course, juggling responsibilities of family and contributing positively to family through lifelong learning. There is a great self worth when a learner of my age can be effective learning within the classroom. In other words, experiencing success of academic achievement while competing with young adults make one feel I am learning. I think many middle age adults have hope of competing in academic settings among any adults.In the next decade as a learner I hope to have written several books and become a full-time professor at the local community college or university. Also as a learner teach others how to learn no matter of their human developmental issues. I hope in the next decade my health continue to sustain in order to fulfill my goals during old age.My advise for people who are entering my decade as a learner, read more than ever to challenge ones mental spontaneity as well as instilling good family and cultural values. In addition, exercise, improved diet, and seriously plan for retirement which is essential. I think the adult phase theory can affect your practice as a facilitator of adult learning if one is not able to successfully understand and transition from one developmental phase to another. As a facilitator of adult learning I must be the guide on the journey for learners. Let the learner know what to expect during the journey and how to resolve, manage or overcome obstacles that prevent one from making the necessary transitions to the next stage of learning. In truth, the adult phase theory is a great model for facilitators to practice and illustrate an understanding of human development.


References

Brookfield, S. D. The Skillful Teacher. San Francisco: Jossey-Bassey, 1990.

Erikson, E. H. (1978). Adulthood, New York: Norton.

Kegan, R. 1(994). In Over Our Heads: The Mental Demands of Modern Life. Harvard University Press:
Cambridge, Massacusetts.