Applying Adult Learning Principles to Supervision

Supervision has always been a key component of audiologic training, but little consideration has been given to the student as learner during the supervision process. Since audiology graduate students are by definition adult learners, generally known by their self-actualizing and independent nature, supervisors should consider the literature in adult learning as they develop students' clinical skills. This article will describe Malcolm Knowles's theory of adult education (or andragogy) and the concept of self-directed learning, derived from the adult education literature. These concepts will be applied to the clinical supervision process in audiology. KEYWORDS Adult learning - andragogy - clinical supervision