Adult Learning Theory tells us that being an effective educator involves understanding how adults learn best. Andragogy (adult learning) is a theory from the 1970’s by Malcolm Knowles, an American practitioner and theorist of adult education. The theory proposes a set of assumptions about how adults learn. It uses approaches to learning that are problem-based and collaborative and also emphasizes more equality between the teacher and learner…
Knowles identified the six principles of adult learning outlined below:
1. Adults are internally motivated and self-directed
Adult learners resist learning when they feel others are imposing information, ideas or actions on them. The challenge here is to facilitate movement toward more self-directed learning as well as to foster internal motivation to learn.
The way to do this is develop rapport with the learner, to be more approachable, to encourage asking of questions and exploration of concepts. Show interest in the student’s thoughts and opinions. Actively and carefully listen to any questions asked. Lead the learner toward inquiry before supplying them with too many facts.
2. Adults bring their own experiences and knowledge to learning
Adults like to be given opportunity to use their existing foundation of knowledge and experience gained from life experience, and apply it to their new learning experiences. The learner can be helped in examining existing biases or habits based on life experiences and move these toward a new viewpoint.
3. Adults are goal oriented
Adults become ready to learn when they experience a need to learn in order to tackle real-life tasks or problems at work or in their lives.
4. Adults look for real relevance
Adults want to know the relevance of what they are learning to what they want to achieve. One way to help them to see this relevance is to ask them to reflect on how they might apply the learning in the immediate future.
5. Adults are practical
This is done through practical field work, or exercises relating to their work context. Getting learners to practice rather than just observe is also essential.
6. Adult learners like to be respected
Acknowledging the knowledge and experiences that the learner has goes a long way in demonstrating respect for the learner. Leaners need to know that they are being treated as equals and not as objects that are being lectured to.
Thank you for your comment. You have also asked a really good question. I am not sure if there is an easy answer because I honestly often want to ask the same question myself to find out how other people do this. What I have found though is some days the words flow. Other days, I struggle. On such days, what helps is to write down some key points, maybe work on the title then save the draft. When I return to this, maybe a few hours later or sometimes the next day, it is almost always easier. Another thing that seems to work is leveraging actual work related scenarios. So for example if in the course of my work I have been doing some research on writing skills, I end up getting enough new material to write 2 articles on writing. Anyway, if you have some ideas, let me know
First off I want to say excellent blog! I had a quick question in which I’d like to
ask if you do not mind. I was curious to find
out how you center yourself and clear your head prior to writing.
I have had difficulty clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts
out there. I truly do take pleasure in writing but it
just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are lost just
trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or hints?
Appreciate it!