Adult Learning Principles

Adult Learning Principles What motivates us to learn? As children, we are excited to learn anything new. Everything seems so interesting and fascinating. However, as adults we often want to spend our limited time learning only those things that are most important to us. We usually only have time to receive quick instructions and then apply what we have learned. Often times our best learning happens through trial and error. In addition, we all have our own experiences and preferences that influence our ability and desire to learn. Understanding these differences and the principles to adult learning will give you better insight into the techniques that are most effective in training others. KEEP IN MIND… Adults will learn only what they feel is a need to learn Adults learn best in an informal, casual, and interactive environment Adult learning centers on realistic problems and real-world experience Adults need various learning methods Adults learn best by doing, practicing, and using new knowledge/skills Adults want feedback and guidance, not grades There are some key principles to consider when you are conducting training to adult learners. The following adult learning principles will allow you to gain an understanding for how adults learn and what motivates them to learn. Principle #1: Adults must want to learn the subject. Adults learn effectively only when they have a strong inner motivation to develop a new skill or to acquire a particular type of knowledge. Principle #2: Adults will learn only what they feel is a “need to learn”. Adults are practical in their approach to learning. They want to know how the training will help them immediately, often called “WIIFM”- What’s In It For Me? If you want an adult to learn, you must teach him or her simply and directly what he or she wants to know: Trainers should set expectations for their adult learners. For example: “This is what you will do, this is how you will do it, and this is why it works?” Principle #3: Adults learn best by doing. Retention of new knowledge or skills is much higher if the adult has immediate and repeated opportunities to practice or use what they have learned. Principle #4: Adult learning centers on realistic problems. Adults learn much faster if you provide specific problems, draw from business experience, and work out practical solutions from which skills may be learned. This is often referred to as discovery learning. Principle #5: Experiences will impact adult learning. Adults have had experiences in life which can be both beneficial and detrimental to the learning situation. What they learned from their experiences are valuable and can be built upon. Principle #6: Adults learn best in an informal environment. Adults prefer to learn in casual and interactive environments. As opposed to sitting an associate down in an office to discuss new training, you should create a comfortable and casual environment. This allows for open communication and an environment where the learner is comfortable asking questions and soliciting useful information. Principle #7: Adults need various different methods of learning. Remember that we all learn differently. It is important to modify your teaching technique to compliment the trainee’s learning style as well as the goal you are trying to accomplish. For example, if you are communicating a task or giving background information on a process, the most effective teaching method is straight telling. If you want to change behavior or ask for ideas from the trainee, you must involve the learner actively in the process. Some adult learners learn better visually than audibly and vice versa. Using different methods also, may keep the trainee interested and motivated. Principle # 8: Adults want feedback and guidance, not grades. Adult learners want to know how they are doing, how might they improve and solutions for improving their attitude or behavior. Adult learners enjoy achieving success and they should be encouraged to measure their own progress based on clear expectations. If you like this podcast, then check out my newsletter called Xpansion Press. Business content delivered to your inbox. Just click here to sign up.