How to Balance Theory and Research
I love to dwell in both theory and research. Both are fascinating to me.
But how do I balance theory and research when they conflict with each other?
I share an example and I know this is stormy waters ahead for some readers because I’m going to create waves.
Photo by Ant Rozetsky on Unsplash
First, the theory; Andragogy or Adult Learning Theory credited to Malcolm Knowles and to smaller degrees to other theorists. Before I go any further, I have to acknowledge that in 2022, there is a STRONG movement to discredit Knowles and Adult Learning Theory. More than I can count, it’s currently cool to disrespect this around instructional design. It’s quite ugly.
Examples:
I find this trend really disturbing and an example of cancel culture. Realistically, I find that IDs that put no mental effort into truly studying Andragogy dismiss it out of hand as unreal based on their surface understanding. Said another way, they believe that they know what Andragogy is and then they say it does not exist. BTW, LinkedIn comments have become hot when I’ve described that THE MOST COMMON COMPLAINT against andragogy is that “children occasionally display these adult traits too, so, therefore, adult learning as an exclusive or separate thing does not exist.” Heads-up: Classic logical fallacy of composition.
Once in a while someone will ask “What is an adult anyway?” which I find to be at least a cognizant thought and then explain “Yes, defining an adult is the first exercise in an Adult Learning Theory class.” Duh. It’s actually really hard to define an adult because there are so many different standards.
In summary, using a logical fallacy of composition argument is already weak.
Additionally, I find that Andragogy is well-respected, research-supported part of education around for over 30 years. What’s next to pick apart? Gender studies?!? 2022 does seem to be the Year to Attack Women. What about Black Cultural studies? How about studies about any particular group?? Or should I be saying “Any particular group that isn’t White Mainstream?” See? That’s where cancel culture gets you eventually; no one is good enough. I reject all of this.
Rinse & repeat on Brain-Based Learning.
