The document discusses several teaching strategies for lifelong learning. It describes Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory, which proposes that learning occurs through a four-stage cycle of experiencing, reflecting, thinking, and acting. According to this theory, effective teaching strategies should accommodate different learning styles and engage learners in all stages of the cycle. Pre-teaching through summarization is also discussed as a strategy to improve comprehension by activating prior knowledge. Additionally, the use of technology-based instruction is highlighted as a way to encourage lifelong learning through hands-on practice with tools used in the workplace.

1. Life long learning
Lifelong leaning incorporates all forms of education from the formal traditional type of
education to the nonformal type of learning methods. Lifelong learning can theoretically
create positive change in the community through the individuals from the regional level
up to the national level thus creating learning societies (Merriam, Caffarella, &
Baumgartner, 2007).
Teaching Strategies
Kolbs Experimenal Learning Theory
I have chosen to focus on teaching strategy one in adult learning. I have come across an
article that explains lifelong learning using the Kolbs Experimental Learning Theory. As
I was reading through this article, it grabbed my attention on how this learning theory is
effective in lifelong learning for the adult learner. According to David Kolb, "Learning is
the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience"
(Haeley and Jenkins 185). This is how adults learn; they learn from experience. This
learning process also reflects on the educator as well. Many educators assume that every
adult learns the same way. However, this is not so. Just like children, adults learn
differently. So the teaching strategy reflects heavily on learning styles. Kolb mentions
four distinctive learning styles. They are: (1) Divergers, (2) Assimilators, (3)
Convergers, and (4) Accommodators. Divergers view situations from many perspectives
and rely heavily upon brainstorming and generation of ideas. Assimilators use inductive
reasoning and have the ability to create theoretical models. Convergers rely heavily on
hypothetical deductive reasoning. Accommodators carry out plans and experiments and

2. adapt to immediate circumstances (187). According to Kolb, "individuals learn better
when subject matter is presented in a way that is consistent with their preferred learning
style" (189). Moreover, "teachers should encourage students to engage in all four stages
of the learning cycle" (189). This theory has proven effective when it comes to the adult
learner and therefore it should be adopted as a teaching strategy.
Pre Teaching or Summiarizing
Pre teaching or summarizing as a teaching strategy can improve overall understanding
and increase the student's comprehension of the material being taught. Triggering
Background Knowledge through the usage of a K-W-L Chart is a good way to do
this. Students share what they already about the subject (K), what they want to learn
about the subject (W), and at the end what they learned about subject (L). The chart can
be used before the lesson (K), during the lesson (W), and after the lesson (L).
Technology Based Instruction
Technology based instruction is a strategy that encourages lifelong learning by getting the
adult learner's attention and keeping them involved in what is being taught. Technology
based instruction such as computer instructed modules and interactive videos help
learners evolve into self confident team members in the workplace. It also encourages
learners to be more comfortable with using hardware and software that are used more
frequently at work and school. Using and knowing different technology is a skill that is a

3. necessity for the adult learner.
References
Merriam, S. B., Caffarella, R. S., & Baumgartner, L. M. (2007). Learning in Adulthood
(3rd ed.). San Francisco, CA: John Wiley & Sons.
Haeley, Mick and Alan Jenkins. "Kolb's Experimental Learning Theory and It's
Application in Geography in Higher Education," The Journal of Geography; Sep/Oct
2000; 99.5.
Forlizzi, L.A. (1991). Five strategies for literacy and lifelong learning. Retrieved from
http://americanreadingforum.org/yearbook/yearbooks/93_yearbook/pdf/06_Forlizzi.pdf