Principles of Adult Learning
Adult learning occurs best when it is:
- Self-directed
Adults can share responsibility for their own learning because they know their own needs.
- Tackling an immediate need
Motivation to learn is highest when it meets the immediate needs of the learner.
- Reflective
Maximum learning from a particular experience occurs when a person takes the time to reflect back upon it, draw conclusions, and derive principles for application to similar experiences in the future.
- Providing feedback
Effective learning requires feedback that is corrective but supportive.
- Providing a safe atmosphere
A cheerful, relaxed person learns more easily than one who is fearful, embarrassed, or angry.
- Participative
Participation in the learning process is active, not passive.
- Experiential
The most effective learning is from shared experience; learners learn from each other, and the trainer often learns from the learners.
- Sharing responsibility
Learning improves if responsibility for planning and outcome of training is shared.
- Showing respect for the learner
Mutual respect and trust between trainer and learner help the learning process.
- Occuring in a comfortable environment
A person who is hungry, tired, cold, ill, or otherwise physically uncomfortable cannot learn with maximum effectiveness.