Adult Learning

Principles
of
Adult Learning
1
Learning
Learning is “a relatively permanent

change in knowledge or skill developed
by experience”
Learning is the process by which new
behaviours are acquired
Nature of Learning
• Learning involves change in behaviour

• The behavioural change must occur due to
some form of practice, experience or training
• The practice or experience must be
reinforced for learning to occur
Principles of Learning
• Every one is capable of learning
• Adequate interest and motive for learning is
essential
• Learning is an active and dynamic process
• Feedback allow the person to learn more and
faster
• In the experiential mode people learn more
• Time must be provided for reinforcement
• Individuals learn better when they learn at
their own peace
Components of Learning Process
•Drive
•Cue stimuli
•Generalisation
•Discrimination
•Reinforcement
•Retention
•Extinction
Andragogy
The art and science of helping adults to learn.
Adult Learning Theory- The andragogy model is based on several
assumptions:
Adults have the need to know why they are learning something.
Adults have a need to be self-directed.
Adults bring more work-related experience into the learning
situation.
Adults enter into a learning experience with a problem-centered
approach to learning.
Adults are motivated to learn by both extrinsic and intrinsic
motivators.
PRINCIPLES OF ADULT LEARNING
Adults must want to learn
Will learn only what they feel they need to
learn
Adults learn by doing
Focuses on problems and the problems must be
realistic
Experience affects adult learning
Adults learn best in an informal situation
Adults want guidance
PRINCIPLES OF ADULT LEARNING contd…
Autonomous
Goal – oriented
 Relevancy-oriented
 Accumulated a foundation of life experiences
and knowledge that may include work-related
activities, family responsibilities and previous
education
 Practical
 Adults need to be shown respect
Adult Learning Principles
1. Adults must want to learn. ( They learn effectively only when

they have a strong inner motivation to develop a new skill or acquire a
particular type of knowledge. Helping their children is a strong motivator for
learners who are parents. Getting a high school diploma or a good job is
another strong motivator for adults. )
2. Adults will learn only what they feel they need to
learn. (Adults are practical in their approach to learning; they want to know,
“How is this going to help me right now?” Be practical, be direct. )
3. Adults learn by doing. ( Children learn by doing, but active
participation is more important among adults. Adults need to be able to use
these skills immediately so that they see their relevance.
4. Adult learning focuses on problems and the
problems must be realistic. (Children learn skills sequentially.
Adults start with a problem and then work to find a solution. Begin by
identifying what the learner can do, what the learner wants to do and then
address the gaps and develop practical activities to teach specific skills.)
Adult Learning Principles contd…
5. Experience affects adult learning. (Adults have more

experience than children. This can be an asset and a liability. Use the
learners’ experience (negative or positive) to build a positive future by
making sure that negative experiences are not part of their experience in
your program)
6. Adults learn best in an informal situation. (Children
have to follow a curriculum. Often, adults learn only what they feel they
need to know)
7. Adults want guidance. (Adults want information that will help
them improve their situation or that of their children. They do not want
to be told what to do. They want to choose options based on their
individual needs. Involve adults in the learning process. Let them discuss
issues and decide on possible solutions. Make the environment relaxed,
informal and inviting. Present options, not instructions.)
Characteristics of Adult Learners
Control over learning.
High motivation to learn.
Pragmatic in learning.
Learning may be a secondary role.
Resistant to change.
Adult learners are more diverse.
Draw on past experiences in learning.
Learning is often self-initiated.
Learning is aimed at an immediate goal.
Factors serve as sources of
motivation
At least six factors serve as sources of
motivation for adult learning:
1.Social relationships
2.External expectations
3.Social welfare
4.Personal advancement
5.Escape/Stimulation
6.Cognitive interest
TASK TRAINER TRAINEE
A Trainer Centered Approach
TASK TRAINEE
TRAINER
A Trainee Centered Approach

FOUR WAYS OF LEARNING
There are at least four ways in producing

relatively permanent alternations in how we
do things:
• Being Told
• Imitation
• Trial and Error
• Thinking
Four Ways of Learning
Imitation
Thinking Being Told
Trial and Error
16
The Learning Cycle
• The learning cycle is a dynamic process that
involves four specific stages:
Concrete experience.
Reflective observation.
Abstract conceptualization.
Active experimentation.
17
Learning Styles
“refers to all the components that might affect
a person's ability to learn.”
Information enters your brain three main
ways: sight, hearing and touch, which one
you use the most is called your Learning Style
 Concentrate on new and difficult

information;
 Process this information;
 Internalize and retain this information and
 Use this information
19
Learning Styles - Categories
Learning Styles
Visual 70%
Input into mind
Verbal 30%
Sensory
Perception of Information
Intuitive
Active
Processing to Retain
Reflective
Sequential
Building Understanding
Global
20
Learning Styles Visual - Verbal
Visual Learner Verbal Learner
Instruction Video Clips Lecture

Diagrams & Images Audio clips
Maps
Assignments Mind Mapping Interviews
PowerPoint With Images Seminars
Reports & Speeches
Assessment Drawings and Sketches Sound Identification
Read & response Verbal tests
Reference Reference maps Video/Audio Clips

Diagrams/Pictures
Articles
Communication Whiteboard Phone
Chat Audio Conferencing
21
Learning Styles Sensing - Intuitive
Sensing Learner Intuitive Learner
Instruction Images Case Studies

Sounds Hypothesis Setting
Demos
Assignments Creation of Demos Problem Solving
Images Resolution Building
Case Studies
Assessment Detail Tests Outcome Projections
Audio Tests
Reference Field Trips Compare & Contrast

Virtual Field Trips
Communication Conferencing Tools Group Work
22
Learning Styles Active - Reflective
Active Learner Reflective Learner
Instruction Class Participation Critical Thinking

Reflection Time
Assignments Model Building Problem Sets

Journaling
Assessment Projects Problem Solving

Reports Essays
Reference Field Trips Observations

Virtual Field trips Readings
Communication Meetings Webcasts
23
Learning Styles Sequential - Global
Sequential Learner Global Learner
Instruction Video Clips Lecture

Diagrams & Images Audio clips
Maps
Assignments Mind Mapping Interviews
PowerPoint With Images Seminars
Reports & Speeches
Assessment Id on Maps Sound Identification
Drawings and Sketches Verbal tests
Read & response
Reference Reference maps Vide/Audio Clips
Diagrams/Pictures
Articles
Communication Whiteboard Phone
Chat Audio Conferencing
24
Learning Styles - Helping Learners
Learning Style Teaching Style
Visual Visual
Input - Presentation
Verbal Verbal
Sensory Concrete
Perception - Content
Intuitive Abstract
Active Active
Processing - Participation
Reflective Passive
Sequential Linear
Understanding - Perspective
Global Sweeping
25
The Learning Process
How do people learn new information?

Visual
Auditory
Kinesthetic
26
The Learning Process
Learning occurs through both mental and physical
processes:
Expectancy.
Perception.
Working storage.
Semantic encoding.
Rehearsal.
Organization.
Elaboration.
Retrieval.
Generalizing.
Gratifying.
27
Learning Theories
Reinforcement theory:
People are motivated to perform or avoid
certain behaviors because of past
experience based on that behavior.
Positive reinforcement.
Negative reinforcement.
Extinction.
28
Social Learning Theory
• People learn by observing other people
(models) they think are knowledgeable and
credible.
• The model’s behavior is adopted.
• Self-efficacy: The individual must believe he or
she is capable of learning.
• Four processes in learning:
Attention.
Retention.
Motor reproduction.
Motivation.
29
Goal Theories
•Goal-setting theory:
Behavior results from a person’s intentional
goals and objectives
•Goal orientation:
Learning orientation.
Performance orientation.
30
Need Theories
A need is a deficiency that a person experiences
at a certain time.
A need motivates a person to behave in a way
that satisfies the deficiency.
Need theory suggests that trainers should
identify the trainee needs and communicate to
them how the training will satisfy that need.
31
Expectancy Theory
•Behavior is linked to three factors:
Expectancies: The trainee’s belief that increasing
effort will lead to higher performance.
Instrumentality: The trainee’s belief that
performing a certain behavior will lead to an
expected reward.
Valence: The value that the trainee places on the
reward.
32
Information Processing Theory
• Information processing theory:
Information is taken in by the brain.
Information undergoes transformation.
Information is encoded into short-term or long-term
memory.
Information is stored and available for later retrieval
and use.
Feedback from the environment.
33
The 8 Learning Styles
The Linguistic Learner.
The Naturalist.
The Musical or Rhythmic Learner.
The Kinesthetic Learner.
The Visual or Spatial Learner.
The Logical or Mathematical Learner.
The Interpersonal Learner.
The Intrapersonal Learner.
The 8 Learning Styles
The Linguistic Learner. (The linguistic learner is one who
learns best through linguistic skills including reading, writing, listening, or
speaking)
The Naturalist. (The naturalist learns by working with,
and experiencing, nature)
 The Musical or Rhythmic Learner. (The musical or
rhythmic learner is one who learns using melody or rhythm)
The Kinesthetic Learner. (The Kinesthetic learner is a person
that learns best by actually doing something.)
The Visual or Spatial Learner.(A visual or spatial learner is
a person who learns best if there are visual aids around to guide the
learning process.)
The 8 Learning Styles contd…
The Logical or Mathematical Learner. (The logical or mathematical

learner must classify or categorize things. They also tend to understand relationships or patterns,
numbers and equations, better than others. These are obviously engineers, scientists, mathematicians,
and other technical professions)
The Interpersonal Learner. (The interpersonal learner is someone who learns

by relating to others. Often, these people share stories, work best in teams, and compare their ideas to
the ideas of others. In a sense, others help them think of new ideas of their own. They are often naturally
good leaders as well as team players. You often see these people in various fields of psychology or social
sciences. )
The Intrapersonal Learner. (The intrapersonal learner is someone who works

and learns best when they are alone. They set individual goals that are challenging, but not impossible.
They are also motivated by internal forces, rather than external ones. They are often introverted
individuals, but not always. These people often enter creative fields, become entrepreneurs, and
sometimes small business owners. But, they are usually in fields or industries that allow them to work
without direct supervision)
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Principles

Learning is “a relatively permanent

• Learning involves change in behaviour

1. Adults must want to learn. ( They learn effectively only when

5. Experience affects adult learning. (Adults have more

A Trainer Centered Approach

A Trainee Centered Approach

There are at least four ways in producing

• Trial and Error

Thinking Being Told

Trial and Error

 Concentrate on new and difficult

Instruction Video Clips Lecture

Reference Reference maps Video/Audio Clips

Sensing Learner Intuitive Learner

Instruction Images Case Studies

Reference Field Trips Compare & Contrast

Communication Conferencing Tools Group Work

Active Learner Reflective Learner

Instruction Class Participation Critical Thinking

Assignments Model Building Problem Sets

Assessment Projects Problem Solving

Reference Field Trips Observations

Communication Meetings Webcasts

Sequential Learner Global Learner

Instruction Video Clips Lecture

How do people learn new information?

The Logical or Mathematical Learner. (The logical or mathematical

The Interpersonal Learner. (The interpersonal learner is someone who learns

The Intrapersonal Learner. (The intrapersonal learner is someone who works

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