FINGER PAINTING FOR GROWN-UPS? EFFECTIVE TECHNIQUES TO TEACH THE ADULT LEARNER Alison Prince, M.Ed., CIRS United Way of the Brazos Valley Bryan/College Station, Texas

Todays Session My role Facilitate Discussion – Include Participants Move Learning Process Forward/Keep Up with Time Introduce New Concepts and Ideas Your Role Engage in Discussion – (as much as you would like to) Be the Expert; Bring Your Experiences Make this workshop what you need it to be

Why Did you Come? What Do you Hope to Learn? What Expertise/Experience do you Bring to the Table? Today is about YOU!!

Small Group Discussion Groups of about 10 Facilitator: SWO(t) Analysis of your I&R Training Program Strengths – What do you/learners like; what are you proud of; what works well? Weaknesses – What dont you/learners like; wish you could change? Benefits a New Employee Brings to your Organization Report to Larger Group

Difference Between Child and Adult Learning Learner Centered, self-directed Learning based on experience, knowledge and interests of student Curriculum is built around the students needs and interests Orientation to learning is life centered Motivation is mostly internal (self-esteem, increase job satisfaction) Learner Centered, self-directed Learning based on experience, knowledge and interests of student Curriculum is built around the students needs and interests Orientation to learning is life centered Motivation is mostly internal (self-esteem, increase job satisfaction) Teacher Centered Learning based on set curriculum Use of lectures, assigned readings, etc. Motivated by external measures (grades, approval – teacher or parent) Teacher Centered Learning based on set curriculum Use of lectures, assigned readings, etc. Motivated by external measures (grades, approval – teacher or parent) Adult Learning (Andragogy)Child Learning (Pedagogy)

Adult Learning Core Learning Principles Adults learn best when: 1. Learner understands why they need to know 2. Learner has freedom to learn in their way (self- directed; self-concept) 3. Learning is based on experience 4. Time is right for them to learn (self-readiness) When the student is ready, the teacher appears 5. Process is positive and encouraging (orientation to learning) 6. Learners motivation to learn is internal

Types of Adult Learners: Why They Learn Goal Oriented Learning Oriented Activity Oriented

Types of Adult Learners: How They Learn VISUAL rely on pictures AUDITORY rely on voice/sound KINESTHETIC rely on activity

Back to I&R Training

Overview of My I&R Training Experience Read the Training Manual, Watch a Video, Read the ABCs of I&R, Read the Training Manual, Take Essential Learning Course, Listen to a Call, Read the Policies and Procedures, Listen to More Calls, Take an Essential Learning Course, Listen to an I&R Specialist Tell Me How to Answer a Call, Read the Training Manual, Take an Essential Learning Course, Read the ABCs of I&R, Click on the Screen Where the I&R Specialists Tell Me to Click, Tell the Caller What the I&R Specialist Tells Me to Say, Read the Training Manual, Take a Test. CONGRATULATIONS – Im an I&R Specialist

Adapting Adult Learning Principles to I&R Training New employee is like a consultant to your organization for the first 90 days of employment…. WHY?? **EXPERIENCE** Back to SWO(t) Analysis – Small Groups Opportunities – What are tools that could be used to improve it; What resources would make it outstanding? What adult learning methods can be implemented Report to Larger Group

THANK YOU! Alison Prince, M.Ed., CIRS United Way of the Brazos Valley Bryan/College Station, Texas