A Set of Patterns in Adult Education

Adult learners have specific features that differentiate them from children and the young. This specificity has been overlooked by an overwhelming part of the theoretical and applied research on education, which focuses on the early stages of life. Consequently, adult educators face a scarcity of reference models, guidelines and training materials supporting their daily practice. This paper aims at contributing to fill this gap, by providing advice and spurring methodological and practical discussion. We discuss concerns that have arisen from our experience both as adult educators and adult learners, and propose a set of patterns to tackle them. In particular, we present a self-reference model which has guided our performance as adult educators: the Democratic Learning catalyst. Commitment to Agreement sets up a framework for the adoption of such a model and its adaptation to specific contexts. Leveraging Experience exploits experience, an invaluable asset amassed by adults, putting it at the service of the collective learning process. Awareness of Progress accounts to the participants for the outcomes of the course. It is reassuring and encouraging, strengthens their self-confidence and generates a supportive climate. Lastly, adults' knowledge gets richer and their convictions become more soundly founded by means of Enlightening Discussion.