Good Agricultural Practices Teaching Adult Learners

Effective Education and Training Programs Improve communication Upgrade knowledge and skills Motivate employees Result in positive rewards

We always think of training and the training process, but we really need to focus on LEARNING or OUTCOMES!

Enhance Learning by: Sharing objectives. Demonstrating caring and concern for learners. Using a variety of instructional methods and materials. Exhibiting enthusiasm and developing a positive approach. Providing practice and follow-up.

What Affects Learning ? Capability, age, and attitude of audience. Educational background, previous training & experience. Nature of the information being taught. Instructional methods & techniques used. Capability and attitude of the instructor.

What Do We Know About Adult Learning?

Knowing how adults learn is a vital component in developing & implementing an adult education & training program.

What do we know about adult learning ? Consider themselves independent. Have a wide variety of experiences. Are concerned with immediate problems.

Characteristics of Adult Learners Adults enter learning situations with their own goals, motivations, needs and experiences. Adults learn better by doing!

Adults Learn Better: If they are involved. When materials are structured to meet their needs. When the subject matter is connected to their daily activities.

Adults Learn Better: In informal, organized environments. When materials are presented through a variety of methods with practical examples. When subjects are explained & supported visually.

Adults Learn Better When activities & tasks are structured and clearly related to specific subjects. Through problem-solving instructional methods. Real or model experiences.

Adults Learn Better: When given opportunities to apply & practice what they have learned. In cooperative learning situations and in groups. When they are not tested or pressured.

Key Points  Adults need to integrate new ideas with “old” ones if they are going to keep and use the new information.

Key Points  Adults prefer “How-To” and “Hands-On” instruction.

Key Points  They prefer single concept programs that focus on applications to problems.

Key Points  Short breaks between instructional periods provide more effective learning.  Time for reflection should be provided.

Key Points  Visual images are remembered more effectively than words.  Most people are visual learners!

Retaining Information Method of InstructionRecall 3 hours3 days Telling 70% 10% Showing 72% 20% Telling & Showing 86% 65%

Needs of Individuals People Need to Feel: *accepted* understood *important* part of process *proud* part of a winning team *responsible

Incorporating Illustrations Illustrations stimulate interest. Illustrations help readers learn.

Tips Simple line drawings are often more effective than photographs. Black and white pictures reproduce better than color pictures. Sequence of pictures or line drawings can show motion. Simple captions clarify and reinforce messages.

Motivation Something from within that prompts us to do something. It is stimulated by the external environment.

Remember Learning is an internal process. Instruction is an external activity. Carefully think through and plan all of your instructional activities to enhance learning.

Remember 5 “P”s Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance.

15 Practical Tips for Planning & Conducting Outstanding Training Programs Adapted from: How to be a Better Trainer, Keye Productivity Center, 1991

1. Know your Subject Thoroughly prepare for your role as the instructor. What knowledge & skills do you want employees to possess after the program? Break the subject(s) into small, understandable segments.

2. Know your Audience For a successful program, you must know as much as possible about the people in your audience!

2. Know your Audience Important Questions to Answer: 1. Who makes up the audience? 2. What is their occupation or specific job? 3. What is their level of education? 4. What is their experience?

2. Know your Audience 5. Why are they attending? 6. What do they know about the subject? 7. What is their interest in the subject? 8. What things do they have in common? 9. What is their relationship to you?

3. Know the Occasion What is the purpose of the program? How long is the program? Where will it be held? What are the physical conditions of the location? Are there any customs or procedures that need to take place?

4. Logistics Plan carefully and thoroughly. Double check all details. Be prepared. Be flexible !

5. Welcome & Introductions Hearty welcome & strong introduction. Day’s schedule. Housekeeping details. Set the “climate”… *Why are we here?

6. Discuss Goals & Objectives Present program goals & objectives. Discuss benefits. Why should I care? What’s In It For Me (WIIFM). Invite learners to become involved.

7. Program Opening Provide a clear overview of subject. Be creative in getting the audience’s attention. Begin with stimulating information.

8. Audience Involvement Stimulate audience involvement! Solicit: *Assistance *Opinions *Experiences Ask non-threatening questions

9. Enthusiasm & Sincerity Demonstrate strong positive involvement with the: subject program audience

10. “How To” Instruction Provide specific actions or recommendations that people can immediately implement.

Make positive statements about the subject matter. Speak with expressiveness and variety in tone of voice. 9. Enthusiasm & Sincerity

11. Pace & Flow Change speech rate or emphasis. Use different instructional techniques. Keep information & activities relevant. Don’t skip around or digress.

12. Linkages & Relationships Link points together and discuss how different subjects relate to each other. Present information in a logical sequence.

13. Audiovisuals Use creative & excellent quality audiovisuals to highlight key points. Utilize a variety of instructional techniques.

14. The Close Most programs end abruptly, so: Summarize the “big picture”. Challenge learners. Provide an exhilarating close !

15. Program Evaluation Assesses value of program. Provides important feedback. Strengthens future programs.

Remember … Program content Delivery Determine whether or not learners believe what you say!

Effective Training and Learning Foster Good Performance.

The End

Acknowledgements This presentation was created by Daryle E. Foster, Robert B. Gravani, and Elizabeth A. Bihn. Images provided by USDA (k , 94cs0464, k7614-6), Donna L. Scott, and Elizabeth A. Bihn