The behaviorist theory views adult learning as that which should lead to modification of behavior. The cognitivist theory sees adult education as that which should lead to cognitive development while the social theory sees adult learning as that which should lead to improved social relations.

After comparing all the learning theories and their orientation to the adult education models, it is evident that a learning model should take into consideration all the learning theories before structuring its contents. This is because all the learning theories have an aspect in themselves that may definitely help adults in their learning process. These theories take into consideration the learning environment, the contents of leaning and the impact of learning to the individual and the society. Therfore, they should be the basic theories to consider when putting into practice any adult learning model.

By Shirley J. Caruso, M.A., Human Resource Development