Adult Learning Principles

• Adults are self-directing once they recognise a need. They need to know, “What’s in it for me?”
• Have related experiences and knowledge. Need opportunities to be involved; and it helps if adults draw on their own experiences. Discussions are richer when drawn on the diversity of experiences in the audience.
• Learn in a variety of ways. Look for ways to use a variety of techniques and media effectively to capture the attention of adults.
• Learn by doing. Provide opportunities for adults to practice, take risks, and receive feedback to learn and correct their skills.
• Want immediate application of what they learn. Adults need to practice to retain the skills and knowledge gained

 

Kolb’s Adult Learning Cycle and Experiential Learning

David Kolb presents the Experiential Learning Cycle (1984) that emphasises the central role that experience plays in the learning process.  There are four stages that start with Concrete Experience.  Key therefore is active involvement.

Kolb’s Stages	Learning activities to help
Concrete Experience	§  Ice breakers & energisers §  Team games §  Problem solving §  Discussion §  Practical exercises, like making a presentation §  Debates
Reflective Observation	§  Ask for observation §  Write a short report on what took place §  Give feedback to other participants §  Quiet thinking time §  Tea & coffee breaks §  Completing learning logs or diaries
Abstract Conceptualisation	§  Present models §  Give theories §  Give facts
Active Experimentation	§  Give learners time to plan §  Use case studies §  Use role play §  Ask learners to use real problems

 

Dale’s Cone of Experience

Edgar Dale, an educator, developed the “cone of experience” demonstrating the power of learning by doing.  His cone (given below) shows the more active learners are the more likely they will learn.