Adult Learning Theory
...
- Adults are self-directed learners. Adults want to be in control of their own learning. They want to be able to set their own goals, choose their own learning activities, and assess their own progress.
- Adults learn best when the material is relevant to their lives. Adults are more likely to retain information when they can see how it applies to their work, their personal lives, or their goals.
- Adults learn best when they are actively involved in the learning process. Adults learn best when they are able to do, not just listen. They learn best when they can participate in activities, discuss the material, and reflect on their own experiences.
- Adults need to know why they are learning something. Adults are more likely to be motivated to learn when they understand the purpose of the learning. They need to know how the new information will benefit them.
Structuring each Workshop Topic*
| Opening | Short Lecture | Active Learning | Ending |
|---|---|---|---|
| CONNECT and SPARK | Inform, Explain, and Deepen | Engage, Apply, and Retain | Close, Praise, Plan, and Reinforce |
Go over the purpose of the workshop and why this information might be relevant or useful to the learner. | Explain and show the information. | Give the learner an opportunity to practice. | Review and give feedback. Clarify any misunderstandings or elaborate. Restate your main points. |
| Examples: | |||
*Adapted from Dr. Greg Reihman's "Structuring Class Meetings: A Planning Guide"
Tips for Designing a Hands-on Workshop
Start with the end in mind.
...
<< possible google slides or PowerPoint template?>><<linked
learning modules>>>Instructional Design: Adult Learners (LinkedIn Learning course)