Constructing Learners as Members of Networks

Abstract

Viewing learners as members of networks provides teachers with a fresh way of reflecting on how they teach and interact with their adult learners. Networks are the core element of social capital. A social capital perspective to understand who we are as people and especially as learners reminds us that our identity is related to the connections we have with other people. A social capital perspective enriches our understanding of how people learn. Not only can incorporating a social capital perspective in how we teach lead to better learning outcomes as traditionally understood, it can also redefine what is meant by learning outcomes. This chapter synthesizes research that investigated teaching practices in the area of adult literacy that took networks into account. It explores issues such as the following: How does a teacher capitalize on the networks that learners bring to the course? How does a teacher design learning experiences that can lead to new networks? How does a teacher design learning experiences that lead to new ways of interacting in learners’ existing networks?