Adult Learning Theory: Andragogy The dispute over how adults learn has been a developing topic since the 1920s, when adult learning became a field of professional practice (Merriam, S., 2001). Questions like: Do adults learn differently than children? Are adults able to learn faster, independently or in the same environment? These are just a few examples of a multitude of questions that have been raised since scientists began studying adult learning. I intend to clear up some misconceptions about adult learning through proven scientific research and writings from experts in the field. First we will summarize the evolution of the concept of Adult Learning. Second, we will look at several recognized theories of adult learning. Third, we will explore philosophies of adult education, and finally, we will consider how technology impacts students who are lifelong learners. To understand how adult learning has evolved, we will need to explore how it all began and which scientist created the term Andragogy. In 1928, Thorndike, Bregman, Tilton, and Woodyard's study of adult learning produced the book Adult Learning, credited as the first systematic, controlled research book on the concept of adult learning. They used the behavioral psychological testing approach to answer the question of whether adults can learn. Next, scientists studied the differences between adolescent and adult learning; this early research seemed to indicate that younger people learned much more than adults. (Lorge 1944, 1947) contradicted previous findings by highlighting the fact that environmental factors such as education and previous experiences influenced how adults responded to certain questions. ...... middle of paper ......Review of Educational Research, 14(4), 438-443.Lorge, I. (1947). Intellectual changes during maturity and old age. Review of Educational Research, 17(5), 326-330.Merriam, S. (2001). Andragogy and self-directed learning: Pillars of adult learning. New directions for continuing and adult education, 2001(89), 3-13. O'Bannon, T., & McFadden, C. (2008). Experimental andragogy model: Developing a nontraditional experimental learning program model. Journal of Unconventional Parks. Tourism and Recreation Research, 1(1), 23-28.Thorndike, E. L., Bregman, E. O., Tilton, J. W., & Woodyard, E. (1928). Adult learning. New York: Macmillan Wang, V. (2011). Assessment and evaluation of adult learning in career and technical education. IGI Global.Whitehead, AN (ed.). (1978). Process and reality: an essay in cosmology (corrected ed.). New York: Free Press, Macmillan.