The Adult Learner

In-Tech Redelivery Training

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The Adult Learner

Adult educators need a different set of attitudes and skills than those employed when teaching children and adolescents.

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Andragogy
The art and science of helping adults learn. Malcolm Knowles - Father of Adult Education Educated at Harvard Published 18 books Elements are very practical in designing effective learning experiences for adults!
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Nature of the Adult Learner

Four Traditional Principles
Adults desire and enact a tendency toward selfdirectness as they mature. Adults experiences provide a rich resource for learning. Adults are aware of specific learning needs generated by real life tasks or problems. Adults wish to apply newly acquired skills or knowledge to their immediate circumstances.
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Adult Learners:
Need to know why they need to learn. Have a need to protect the facets of their self-concept. Have accumulated valuable life experiences. Become ready to learn when they judge they need to know. Integrate new information most effectively when presented in the context of real life. Derive motivation primarily from intrinsic forces.
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Andragogical Points to Ponder

Establish a climate of humanness conducive to learning. Involve participants in the evaluation of their learning. Encourage learners to identify resources and devise strategies for utilizing resources in accomplishing learning objectives.
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(Why do I want to be here?)

Georgias A+ Education Act Explanation and discussion of the Five Critical Areas ACOT studies and developmental stages

InTech Examples:

Relevant activities and valid methodologies Active, participatory learning

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Adoption Adaptation Appropriation Innovation

Motivation
An unstable hypothetical construct which cannot be directly measured. A finite amount of energy that can be applied to a goal. People change their minds about what they want to learn. People vary in how much effort they will expend
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Factors Impacting the Adult Learner

Attitude - results from a combination of factors. Need - internal force that leads the learner to move in the direction of a goal. Stimulation - helps to sustain adult learning behavior; vulnerable to boredom, fatigue, and distraction Affect the emotional experience while learning! Emotional Intelligence Competence - more motivated when they are aware that they are mastering learning tasks which will make them more effective at what they value. Reinforcement- must be accompanied by clear expectations or it will not be taken seriously. 9 Slide

Ensure Successful Learning

Make the learning experience safe, successful, and interesting. Make learning goals as clear as possible. Include activities that allow adults to share what they have learned. Provide variety in the processes and materials used for learning. Use cooperative goal structures to achieve learning outcomes. Provide feedback to learners regarding their performance and mastery.
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As Facilitator--YOU:
Set the tone and climate. Should be organized and enthusiastic. Make sure equipment and software are in proper working order. Should begin and end on time. Make sure instructions are thorough and clear. Allow time for questions and discussion. Provide a positive closing.
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Additional Tips for Trainers

MS Word Document

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Who dares to teach, must never cease to learn.

John Cotton Dana

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Resources
Belgium-Roots Project. [Online]. Andragogy. Available: http://belgium.rootsweb.com/sci/andragogy.html [2001, January 19] Nebraska Institute for the Study of Adult Literacy. [Online]. Available: http://archon.educ.kent.edu/~nebraska/ [1998, July 2]

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