Adult education philosophies and teaching styles of faculty at Ricks College

Adult educators are attempting to meet learner needs in a multitude of educational settings. One of these unique environments is the college or university. Within this climate, many teachers are not particularly aware of their educational philosophies or teaching styles let alone actively trying to bring a consistency between the two. Yet, it is awareness of beliefs and practices that can move educators toward improvement. The Philosophy of Adult Education Inventory (PAEI) and the Principles of Adult Learning Scale (PALS) were used in this study to determine the educational philosophy orientations and teaching styles of Ricks College faculty members. Ricks College, located in Rexburg, Idaho, is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon). Preferences of faculty were examined in relation to demographic variables of age, gender, and formal training in educational methodologies. Favored philosophical orientations and teaching styles were analyzed to find a possible correlation to the college’s academic divisions. A relationship and interaction between teaching style and educational philosophy was investigated. One hundred sixty-seven teachers completed the surveys between. The respondents on the PAEI showed a preference for the Progressive philosophy followed closely b