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Title / Demonstrate knowledge of theoretical models of adult learning
Level / 5 / Credits / 6
Purpose / People credited with this unit standard are able to demonstrate knowledge of at least three theories of adult learning, and critically analyse the concept and application of learning styles within adult learning contexts.
Classification / Adult Education and Training > Delivery of Adult Education and Training
Available grade / Achieved
Explanatory notes
1 Definitions
Principles are the fundamentals from which learning theories are derived. They may include self-motivation, autonomy, critical reflection, own goal-setting, negotiation, self-assessment.
Learning styles refers to the different ways people learn.
Best practice includes positive engagement with learner(s) and colleagues, variation of teaching/training, methodology, cohesion in the learning/training programme, programme based on learner needs, opportunities for learner interaction, thorough preparation, clear instructions and expectations, negotiated curriculum. It also refers to teacher behaviour and attitudes which includes respect for the learner as an adult, reflection, self-evaluation, fairness.
2 Sufficient evidence for this unit standard will be three theories of adult learning; and analysis of three learning style models and their applicability to current adult learning practice.
3 Theories of adult learning may include but are not limited – to behaviourism, cognitivism, constructivism, social learning.
4 Learning style models may include but are not limited to – Dunn and Dunn, Honey and Mumford, VAK – VARK, Gregorc’s model, Given’s five learning systems.
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Demonstrate knowledge of theories of adult learning.
Evidence requirements
1.1 A range of learning theories’ principles and philosophies is outlined and linked to specific learning contexts.
1.2 Theories of adult learning are compared and contrasted for their applicability within a specified adult learning environment.
Outcome 2
Critically analyse the concepts and applications of learning styles within adult learning contexts.
Evidence requirements
2.1 Analysis critically examines the theories behind different learning style models.
2.2 A minimum of three learning style models and their analysis tools are compared for their advantages and disadvantages in specific adult learning environments.
Replacement information / This unit standard was replaced by unit standard 29690.This unit standard is expiring. Assessment against the standard must take place by the last date for assessment set out below.
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process / Version / Date / Last Date for Assessment /Registration / 1 / 28 May 1996 / 31 December 2015
Revision / 2 / 13 November 2003 / 31 December 2015
Review / 3 / 12 December 2008 / 31 December 2020
Rollover and Revision / 4 / 26 June 2013 / 31 December 2020
Review / 5 / 19 January 2017 / 31 December 2020
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference / 0045
This CMR can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA, before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that applies to those standards.
Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR). The CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors and assessors, and special resource requirements.
NZQA National Qualifications ServicesSSB Code 130301 / Ó New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2017 / / New Zealand Qualifications Aut