Level 1 Session Two Adult Learners Learning Theory Learning Styles Role Modeling Best Practices CRLA Success Tips Exercises'

Adult Learners (Andragogy) Core Adult Learning Principles according to Knowles: 1.Learners need to know: Why/What/How 2.Self-Concept of Learning: Autonomous/Self-Directed 3.Prior Experience of Learner: Resource/Mental models 4.Readiness to Learn: Life related/Developmental task 5.Orientation to Learning: Problem Centered/Contextual 6. Motivation to Learn: Intrinsic Value/Personal Payoff

Adult Learning Theory 5 decades of research and theory formulation basically = “Andragogy.” Current Best Practices now recognizes 6 important assumptions about adult learners: ◦ They need to know why they should learn new things ◦ They have specific self-concepts of learning ◦ Their past experiences are very important to their self-esteem ◦ They have the readiness to learn ◦ They are generally very oriented to learning ◦ Most often they will have good motivation for learning

Adult Learning Styles Three most recognized Learning Styles: Visual Auditory Kinesthetic

Kolb’s Learning Inventory What is your understanding of “how to learn” based on Kolb’s learning inventories?

The Importance of Role Modeling Ability to be flexible with learning styles Help students learn how to learn Good communication of expectations Disciplined structured study habits Open minded and an analytic thinker From CRLA TTH 2005, pg 38-43

Tutoring skills and Best Practices Begin with, and include all of the following: ◦ Listening skills ◦ Questioning ◦ Wait time ◦ Using students information ◦ Positive reinforcement

Break Time

Listening Skills Listening Skills: ◦ This action involves every part of you: Eyes, Ears, Arms, Hands and especially your Conscious Attention. Every part!!!! ◦ Begin new material with a brief explanation of what is coming. Their expectation should have been established with your Goals/Objective sheet. ◦ Conclude with a summary of what was covered. ◦ Question their comprehension. ◦ Use activities like brainstorming, verbal quizzing. ◦ Access your listening skills as they relate to what your tutees are grasping from the content..

Questioning Skills Questioning: ◦ Your ability to ask the right question and keep at it until you get the RIGHT answer is really important. ◦ This may take different directions with different people. Your challenge is to read your people and figure out “how” they respond. ◦ Good questioning will result in tutees contemplation and that leads to CT.

Wait Timing Wait Time: ◦ This function is so important. ◦ Read your tutee and know when NOT to rush your input or your interpretation. ◦ They are learning the art of CT so give them the room to grow. ◦ There is an old adage that says “timing is everything”. SO TRUE!!! ◦ This is also one of the highest forms of respect and essential to your success.

Using Student Information Using students ideas: ◦ In this slide we will discuss the important to your learners of using their ideas and you will be better able to see their relationship to learning. ◦ Life styles ◦ Cultural Diversities

Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement: At-a-boy’s are very important to learners. This can not be stressed enough.

CRLA Tips for Success TIP #1 I think it is important for students to realize that there is always assistance available to them and they should not be afraid to ask for it. Whether it’s a college employee or a friend, it’s never a bad thing to accept a helping hand. -Cadet Nathaniel Zand (VMI, Virginia Military Institute, and presenter at the 2009 CRLA Conference) 11/09

CRLA Tips for Success TIP #2 CRLA Tips for Success TIP #2 We all make mistakes when we write. In order to become a better proofreader, read your paper out loud. This will force you to slow down, and you will easily recognize your mistakes. -Kiri Dunlap (University of South Carolina-Aiken, and presenter at the 2009 CRLA Conference) 11/09

CRLA Tips for Success TIP #4 CRLA Tips for Success TIP #4 Make sure your short term activities (how you spend your time) are matching your long term goals (what are you career plans after you graduate). -Laura S. Heidel, Ph.D. (Learning Strategies Counselor, University of Houston) 12/09

Exercise One For your very first “journal entry” type assignment, list 5 strengths and 5 weaknesses you believe you posses relating to your role as a tutor and explain why you consider them important.

Exercise Two We discussed some of the learning techniques of Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic learners. List some of the skill tools you will use for each pattern of learning that will help them to both learn and retain the material.

Acknowledgements/Citations Knowles, 2005, The Adult Learner: The definitive Classic in Adult Education and Human Resources Development, Amsterdam College Reading and Learning Association Tutor Training Handbook, 2003, Lenexas (CRLA TTH) pg. 16, 38-43, MacDonald, 2000, The Master Tutor: A Guidebook for More Effective Tutoring MCC Student Handbook, Tutoring Handbook, Policy and Procedures all on-line at Bloom’s Taxonomy,