Adult Teaching Methods
Touchstones u Adults learn in a variety of ways. u A variety of delivery formats and teaching methods should be used to facilitate the learning process. u Learners must be engaged in the learning process. u Educators must provide carefully planned learning opportunities to expand learners’ knowledge and skills.
Common Delivery Formats & Factors Formats: u Informal meetings u Tours u Formal courses u Workshops u Institutes u Seminars u Conferences u Conventions Factors: u Program purpose u Objectives u Outcomes u Number of participants u Participant travel u Facilities u Equipment u Estimated budget
Common Adult Teaching Methods u One-way communication u Two-way (interactive) communication u Laboratory (skill development)
Selecting Appropriate Methods u You must consider these factors: u Objectives - learner outcomes u Subject matter - content u Facilities, equipment, and resources u Learners’ characteristics and backgrounds u Desired level of interaction u Available time u Policies of the learning environment
One-way Teaching Methods u Lecture/presentation u Resource person
u Symposium u Panel discussion u Computer-aided instruction One-way Teaching Methods
u Group discussion u Case study Two-way Teaching Methods
u Problem solving Define the problem, identify solutions, seek data to solve problem, formulate and test possible solutions, and choose a solution to solve the problem u Several problem solving techniques exist: Forked-Road Possibilities-Factors Given the Effect, Find the Cause Situation-to-be-Improved Two-way Teaching Methods
u Role Play u Brainstorming Two-way Teaching Methods
u Demonstrations u Tours & Field Trips Laboratory Teaching Methods
Final Touchstones u Learning is enhanced through variety and use of many teaching methods. u Attention and motivation increase u Retention of new knowledge/skills increases u Combine two or more teaching methods. u Use lecture interspersed with group discussion u Use role-play during lecture to provide clarity to key points of information