HOW ADULTS LEARN
101C a r m e n B u t l e r,
M . A . , E d . S
THE HATS WE WEAR
ANDRAGOGY
The study of how adults learn
Founders: Alexander Kapp
Malcom Knowles1830
A Need to KnowHow? When? Where? WHY???
Characteristics That Motivate
Adult Learners
Training Tip
Explain why certain commands, functions, operations are necessary
Avoid explanations like “Because the manual says so” or “That’s just how it is”
FoundationExperiences
Both Positive and Negative
Characteristics That Motivate
Adult Learners
Training Tip
Instruction should be task-oriented rather than require memorization.
Learning activities should correlate to training content
Training Tip
Instruction should take into account the wide range of different backgrounds of learners.
Learning materials and activities should allow for different levels/types of previous experience with computers and other technologies.
Training TipHonor life experiences in the
training session. Encourage discussions and sharing when appropriate
(be mindful of time limits! )
Self-conceptSelf-awarenessSelf-perception
Characteristics That Motivate
Adult Learners
Characteristics that Motivate Adult
Learners
ReadinessIs it relevant to my work and/or life?
Training TipThe learning processes should
be positive and encouraging.Instruction should allow
learners to discover things for themselves and should provide guidance and help when mistakes are made.
Orientation Problem centered rather than
content centered
Characteristics that Motivate
Adult Learners
Training Tip
Training sessions that are lengthy may become overwhelming to adult learners.
Provide frequent breaks Break up long trainings with a “stretch” time or group activity
Training Tip
Activities should be relevant to the tasks at hand while keeping trainees energized (small group discussions, activities that involve moving around)
LEARNING STYLES
V = visualA = auralR = read/writeK = kinesthetic
VISUAL LEARNERS LOOK intently Pictures Color Illustrations of tasks Charts Maps Graphs Picturesque speech
AURAL LEARNERSListen intentlyTone and voice inflection
importantAsk questionsAnswer questionsLove discussionsLove to TALK about what they
have learnedNotes are scant/bulleted
READ/WRITE LEARNERS Love pen and paper Books Libraries and research Notes are neat and often verbatim Appreciate speakers that stay on
topic
KINESTHETIC LEARNERSLearn with all five sensesTactile is most importantActivities, discussions, labsCollections Interactive learning
VARK Learning Styles Assessment
www.vark-learn.com
Characteristics Of Adult Learners
BERT
REFERENCES
Boud, D. et al (1985) Reflection. Turning Experience into Learning, London: Kogan Page.
Brookfield, S.D (1986) Understanding and Facilitating Adult Learning. A comprehensive Analysis of Principles and Effective Practice, Milton Keynes: Open University Pres..
Kidd, J.R. (1978) How Adults Learn (3rd Ed), Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice Hall.
Smith, M.K. (1996; 1999) ‘Andragogy’, The Encyclopaedia of Informal Education, http://www.infed.org/lifelonglearning/b-andra.htm. Last update: May 29, 2012.
http://education.jhu.edu/PD/newhorizons/future/creating_the_future/crfut_knowles.cfm