1. ADULT LEARNING PRINCIPLES

2. Adult learners are goal oriented

3. 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

4. What does this mean for the trainer?

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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)

9. 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

10. THANK YOU!