Module 1 Part B - Understanding the Adult Learner
- 1. SNOHOMISH COUNTY PUD Train the Trainer Module 1 Part B Understanding the Adult Learner
- 2. SNOHOMISH COUNTY PUD Overview • What are the Main Characteristics of Adult Learners? • What are the Main Types of Adult Learners? • How Do You Accommodate Different Types of Learners in Your Training? • What are Some Effective Training Strategies Based on How Adults Learn?
- 3. SNOHOMISH COUNTY PUD Characteristics of Adult Learners • Self-Directed – adults typically prefer a sense of control and self-direction when learning. They favor having options and choices. • Goal-Oriented – adults want learning that will assist them in achieving their goals. • Practical – adult learners prefer practical knowledge and experiences. They want to see personal relevance when learning. • Learn By Experience – most adults want to learn by doing rather than listening to
- 4. SNOHOMISH COUNTY PUD Characteristics of Adult Learners Cont. • Purposeful – training is often part of an initiative that involves change, so adults want to understand the purpose of the training as well as the underlying motive. • Results-Oriented – adults tend to have specific expectations for their learning experiences. • Big Picture Focused– adults require the big picture view of what they are learning. They need to understand how things fir together.
- 5. SNOHOMISH COUNTY PUD Types of Adult Learners Most adults tend to prefer one of the three main types of adult learning styles: 1. Visual Learners – these learners learn best be seeing. 2. Auditory Learners – these learners learn best by hearing. 3. Kinesthetic / Tactical Learners – these learners learn best by doing.
- 6. SNOHOMISH COUNTY PUD Confucius Says… What I hear, I forget. What I see, I remember. What I do, I understand.
- 7. SNOHOMISH COUNTY PUD Psychological Characteristics of Adult Learners 70% 50% 30% 20% 10 % 90% Read Hear Hear & See Practice See Hear, See, Practice, Present We remember When we:
- 8. SNOHOMISH COUNTY PUD How to Accommodate Different Types of Learners Visual Learners Auditory Learners Kinesthetic / Tactical Learners Write it Say it Demonstrate it Provide written materials, give presentations, and do exercises State the information Demonstrate how a principal works Write key words, or phrases, on flip charts Ask the audience to describe the specific information Ask the participants to practice the technique Ask participants to write a response Provide discussion periods Encourage participants to underline and highlight key words / concepts Use visuals, or graphics Encourage questions Provide real life simulations Ask the participant to be a recorder in the group Foster small group participation Offer hands on activities Ask participants to become involved through visual / spatial interaction Use audiovisual aids Involve participants in physical activities
- 9. SNOHOMISH COUNTY PUD So What Does All This Mean For Trainers? Training Strategies Based on How Adults Learn: • Use your adult learners as resources and ask open- ended questions of your group. • Take time at the start of your session(s) to clarify participant expectations as well as what you will and won’t be covering. • Show throughout your training how the knowledge they are acquiring can be applied to current problems or situations in their work. Use examples.
- 10. SNOHOMISH COUNTY PUD So What Does All This Mean For Trainers? Training Strategies Based on How Adults Learn Cont.: • Orient your training towards direct applications rather than just presenting theories. • Use a variety of training materials and methods to keep your participants engaged and to enable them to read, see, hear, and practice what they are learning.
- 11. SNOHOMISH COUNTY PUD End of Module 1 Part B Slides
Editor's Notes
- #4: CHARACTERISTICS OF ADULT LEARNERS Have years of experience and a wealth of information: Use on-the-job scenarios Draw upon and acknowledge the participants’ experience Have different learning styles and paces of learning Need frequent summarization to increase retention and recall Need to be supported as individuals – the participants may, or may not, agree with the need for change to a new system Need to be self-directed – they like to control their own learning and during training you should try to point out additional references / sources of information and additional learning opportunities Have a problem-centered orientation to learning – don’t just tell; give participants problems to solve Need emphasis on how learning can be applied in a practical setting Are now oriented – they typically like to see the benefits of change quickly and need to be motivated to learn when the benefits are not obvious: They want to know how the material will help them on the job Show participants “What’s in it for me?” – the big picture, “need-to-know” vs. “nice-to-know” Keeping the trainee interested is your responsibility!!!
- #5: CHARACTERISTICS OF ADULT LEARNERS Have years of experience and a wealth of information: Use on-the-job scenarios Draw upon and acknowledge the participants’ experience Have different learning styles and paces of learning Need frequent summarization to increase retention and recall Need to be supported as individuals – the participants may, or may not, agree with the need for change to a new system Need to be self-directed – they like to control their own learning and during training you should try to point out additional references / sources of information and additional learning opportunities Have a problem-centered orientation to learning – don’t just tell; give participants problems to solve Need emphasis on how learning can be applied in a practical setting Are now oriented – they typically like to see the benefits of change quickly and need to be motivated to learn when the benefits are not obvious: They want to know how the material will help them on the job Show participants “What’s in it for me?” – the big picture, “need-to-know” vs. “nice-to-know” Keeping the trainee interested is your responsibility!!!
- #6: Each type of learner needs the trainer to communicate according their specific learning style We learn best when we are taught according to all 3 styles TYPES OF ADULT LEARNERS Visual learners: Diligent readers, take down every word Need to see it to know it – learn better by using diagrams / flows / pictures Tend to explain ideas in drawings or flows Can’t remember names, but can remember faces Have difficulty following lectures and spoken directions How to train a visual learner: Incorporate flows, pictures, graphics, maps, etc. Demonstrate concepts and ideas Auditory learners (second largest group of learners): Enjoy listening and talking May forget faces, but remember names How to train an auditory learner: Mix up lectures with Q&A, guided discussions, demonstrations, exercises Ask meaningful, open-ended questions about specific content Tactile learners (smallest and most challenging group of learners): Have better concentration when movement is involved Need to be moving and physically involved in the learning process to be effective Known to work very well with their hands, i.e., practice, role plays, etc. How to train tactile learners: Use exercises and class participation
- #8: It is important to address all four in a classroom setting, letting people listen, visualize, and practice.
- #9: Each type of learner needs the trainer to communicate according their specific learning style We learn best when we are taught according to all 3 styles TYPES OF ADULT LEARNERS Visual learners: Diligent readers, take down every word Need to see it to know it – learn better by using diagrams / flows / pictures Tend to explain ideas in drawings or flows Can’t remember names, but can remember faces Have difficulty following lectures and spoken directions How to train a visual learner: Incorporate flows, pictures, graphics, maps, etc. Demonstrate concepts and ideas Auditory learners (second largest group of learners): Enjoy listening and talking May forget faces, but remember names How to train an auditory learner: Mix up lectures with Q&A, guided discussions, demonstrations, exercises Ask meaningful, open-ended questions about specific content Tactile learners (smallest and most challenging group of learners): Have better concentration when movement is involved Need to be moving and physically involved in the learning process to be effective Known to work very well with their hands, i.e., practice, role plays, etc. How to train tactile learners: Use exercises and class participation