Principles of Learning – Adult Training

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.