Adult Development and Adult Learning Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Adult Development and Adult Learning - Article Example It is, therefore, worthwhile to note that the characteristics of development of adult learners need to  influence  the strategies of teaching and  learning  that are under implementation. This article provides an overview on the various aspects of adult development, how they affect adult learning, and the major issues surrounding adult development. The article also explores the theories of adult learning including andragogy, self directed learning, and transformational learning. Adult development Growth is the  physical  change that results from an increase in cell size or numbers. Growth can be quantitatively measured using the  growth  indicators such as  weight, height, dentition, and the size of bones. On the other hand,  development  can be defined as a modification or change in the capacity if an individual to  function, or the  process  of skill  progress  or enhancement. It is the  capacity  of an individual to  adapt  to his surroundin g environment and, therefore, regarded as the behavioral growth  aspect (Kail & Cavanaugh, 2010). The characteristics of adult development are in the forms of physical, cognitive, social and emotional domains present in an  individual’s lifespan. There are three stages of life that  occur  in adulthood which include young, middle and older adulthood. These stages have characteristics that are unique and are  evident  in every stage of the four human development domains. For instance, the developmental characteristics of older adulthood include social characteristics such as loss of key family members and  significant  friends, prioritizing engagements and social activities, and beginning of transition to retirement. The physical aspects of  growth  include slowing down of reaction time, increase in the  instance  of chronic disease, decline in the sensory systems and physical abilities. Emotional development  is signified  with an increase in attem pts to maintain personality traits along with reflection, ability to resolve conflict by applying  integrity  instead of despair. The  last  domain  is cognitive development whereby an individual develops memory lapses, slower learning abilities, or mental abilities sufficient for accomplishing their daily chores (Jarvis, 2004). Maturation  is  mainly  characterized  nervous system changes and the brain, and aids in the stimulation of cognitive and physical or motor skills. The patterns of maturation are  innate  and programmed in the genetic code. During adulthood, people experience  various  challenges that affect their ability to go about their daily duties.   Development begins in a  concrete  or straightforward manner, and proceeds to the complex mechanisms. Problem solving and reasoning abilities  are inspired  from the  language  and development of cognitive skills. For instance, the ability to  classify  or  relate  similar ite ms implies the acquisition of cognitive skills. Concrete thoughts  are usually manifested  in the initial  level  of thinking which describes or gives a  functional  relationship between two subjects. Further advancement in the development of cognitive skills is manifested by a more complex or advanced  understanding  of the comparisons  being made, as well development of a high  capability  of classifying objects (Kail & Cavanaugh, 2010). Issues surrounding adult development and their influence on adult learning Development  is categorized  as a continuous process in which the development of an  individual  signifies  addition  of new skills to the ones already acquired, thus forming a basis for further