ADULT LEARNING PRINCIPLES

Adult learners are goal oriented

Are practical and problem-centered Provide overviews, summaries, examples Use stories to link theory to practice Discuss/plan for direct application of new information Use collaborative, authentic problem-solving activities Anticipate problems applying the new ideas to their setting (trainer => offer suggestions) Less theory, more practice

What does this mean for the trainer?

Promote their positive self-esteem Provide low-risk activities in small group settings Build individual success incrementally Become more effective and confident through guided practice and establishing routines Readiness to learn depends on motivation

Allow for choice and self-direction Ask what they know already about the topic Ask what they would like to know about the topic Compare desired behaviors (goals) & actual behaviors Allow for options so you can easily shift if needed The unknown Unknowns: use learners perception of needs vs. research on needs vs. organizational needs to guide your planning

Integrate existing knowledge with new ideas Capitalize on what is already know from prior experience Create activities that use their experience and knowledge Listen and collect data about participant needs before, during and after the event Adjust time and build in options for topics to fit their needs Suggest follow-up ideas and next steps for support and implementation after the session Provide for the possible need to unlearn old habits or confront inaccurate beliefs

Show respect for the learner Breaks, snacks, coffee, comfort Use everybody’s time effectively and efficiently Provide a quality, well organized, experience Avoid jargon and don't "talk down" to participants Validate and affirm their knowledge, contributions and successes Request feedback on your work, assumptions, or ideas Provide input opportunities Choice of words (different cultural backgrounds)

Challenges in Adult Learning Lack of confidence in learning capacity Fear of looking weak in the group Want to avoid making mistakes Reduced speed of learning (but more “in depth”) More resistant to change Highly conservative Difficulty accepting views of others Wide inter-individual differences Based on “The adult Learner”, by Malcom S. Knowles et al, 2005

THANK YOU!