Adult Learning and

Educational Methodology

Module 2
Adult Learning and Educational
Methodology

CAMPUS – COMMUNITY
EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM
Train-the-Trainer

Module 2 – Slide 1
Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Overview

In order to present successful training programs,

particularly to diverse audiences with different
training needs, trainers need to be able to adapt
course material to accommodate various adult
learning styles.
Module 2 – Slide 2
Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Terminal Learning Objective:

Upon completion of this module,

participants will understand the key
principles and techniques for applying
Adult Learning Theory and Educational
Methodology to C-CERT training delivery.

Module 2 – Slide 3
Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Enabling Objectives
• Using the Conditions of Learning and the
key principles of Adult Learning theory,
participants will:
– Identify the key principles of Adult Learning
Theory.
– Recognize Gagne’s five categories of learning.
– Apply the principles of Adult Learning Theory in
the teach-backs required in Modules 6 and 7.

Module 2 – Slide 4
 Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Individual Exercise
• What is your learning style?

In Appendix A-3, using Conner’s

“What’s Your Learning Style?”
take five minutes to complete the
questionnaire.

Module 2 – Slide 5
 Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Visual Learners
• Draw pictures in
margins.
• Look at the graphics.
• Read text that
explains the graphics.
• Envision the topic or
play a movie in your
mind.
Module 2 – Slide 6
Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Auditory Learners
• Listen to the words
you read.
• Try to develop an
internal conversation
between you and the
text.
• Don’t be embarrassed
to read aloud, or talk
through the
information. Module 2 – Slide 7
 Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners
• Use a pencil or
highlighter to mark
passages.
• Take notes,
transferring
information.
• Doodle whatever
comes to your mind.
• Feel the words and
ideas. Module 2 – Slide 8
 Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Group Activity 1
• Move to your learning style
group.
• Create a list of activities and
techniques you could use in
your teaching to address this
style.
• After 10 minutes, be prepared
to share your results.
• You will receive a compiled
list to be added to your Tool
Box.
Module 2 – Slide 9
 Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Categories of Learning
• Gagne’s theory stipulates
there are several different
types or levels of
learning; each requiring
different types of
instruction. They include:
– Verbal information
– Intellectual skills
– Cognitive strategies
– Motor skills
– Attitudes
Module 2 – Slide 10
Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Nine Conditions to Successful

Learning
• Gaining attention • Eliciting performance
• Informing • Providing feedback
participants of • Assessing
objectives performance
• Retrieval • Retention and
• Presenting new transfer
material
• Providing learning
guidance Module 2 – Slide 11
 Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Cone of Learning
Learners retain:
• 10% of what they read
• 20% of what they hear
• 30% of what they see
• 50% of what they see and
hear together
• 70% of what they say or
repeat
• 90% of what they say, while
doing what they are talking
about. (Hear, See, Say, Do,
Teach others)
Module 2 – Slide 12
Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Learning Retention
• Hear it
• See it
• Say it
• Do it
• Teach others

Module 2 – Slide 13
 Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Tips Related to Adult Learning

• Establish a climate conducive to learning.
• Design training to be approximately 1/3
presentation and 2/3 application and feedback.

Module 2 – Slide 14
 Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Adult Learners
• Commit to learning when
the goals and objectives
are considered realistic
and important.
• Want to be the origin of
their own learning.
• Need concrete
experiences to apply
learning in real work.
• Need feedback.
Module 2 – Slide 15
 Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Key Principles of Adult Learning

• Learners need to
know:
– Why, what, how?
– Self-concept of the
learner:
• Self directed and
autonomous.
– Prior experience of the
learner:
• Resources, mental
models.
Module 2 – Slide 16
 Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Key Principles (cont.)

• Readiness to learn:
– Life related,
developmental tasks.
• Orientation to
learning:
– Problem centered,
contextual.
• Motivation to learn:
– Internal, personal
payoff, intrinsic value.
Module 2 – Slide 17
 Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Group Activity 2
Working with your table group:
• Identify some of the tips you might choose
to incorporate in your training.
• Discuss the pros and cons of each
principle presented at your table.
• Select someone to present to the class at
least one principle discussed at your table.
Module 2 – Slide 18
Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Considerations For Adult Learners

Small group activities

provide learners an
opportunity to share,
reflect and generalize
their learning
experiences.

Module 2 – Slide 19
 Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Considerations for Adult

Learners (cont.)
• Adult learners come
to learning with a
wide range of
previous:
– Experiences
– Knowledge
– Self direction
– Interests
– Skills Module 2 – Slide 20
Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Preparing for Instruction

4-Step Method

Primary Steps:
Preparation
Presentation
Application
Evaluation

Module 2 – Slide 21
 Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Preparation - Instructor
• Know the topic and
your capabilities.
• Determine the best
way to present the
information.
– Demonstration,
Illustration, Lecture
• Divide the lesson into
manageable parts.
• Be on time.
Module 2 – Slide 22
 Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Preparation - Students
• Put the students at ease
• Help them be part of the class
• Explain unclear or complex information in detail
• Motivate
• Outline the Day

Module 2 – Slide 23
 Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Motivation
• Demonstrate enthusiasm
• Require good
performance
• Promote achievement
and success
• Provide relevancy
• Use positive
reinforcement
• Correct with sensitivity
and empathy
• Encourage, Encourage,
Encourage Module 2 – Slide 24
 Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Preparing For Presentations

• Plan a 2:1 ratio of preparation to
presentation for new classes.
• Research and plan presentations.
• Rehearse presentations.
• Don’t confuse students by presenting too
many facts.
• Check learning frequently.
Module 2 – Slide 25
 Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Application
• To develop student skills:
– Ensure students have the opportunity to
perform.
– Check for understanding and skill application.
– Give immediate feedback and evaluation.
– Safety must be continuously stressed and
modeled by the instructor.

Module 2 – Slide 26
 Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Evaluation
• Takes place on two levels:
– Informal
- Maintain eye contact with the students.
- Ask brief questions to “spot-check”
learning.

– Formal
- Use written assessments.
- Evaluate performance demonstrations.
Module 2 – Slide 27
Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Instructor Competencies
• A desire to teach
• Mastery of teaching
technique
• Competence in the
subject
• Ingenuity and
creativity
• Ability to self evaluate

Module 2 – Slide 28
 Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Good Instructor Qualities

• Set the “tone” of the
class
• Demonstrate
professionalism
• Create a learning
environment
• Assess class timing
• Avoid obstacles to
effective learning
Module 2 – Slide 29
Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Mistakes An Instructor Must

Avoid
• Do not pretend to know all the answers.
• Information must be based on fact.
• Do not promise to find an answer then fail
to do so.
• If there is no exact answer, inform the
students.

Module 2 – Slide 30
 Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Instructor Responsibilities
• There is no place in C-CERT for jokes,
comments or documents bearing on race,
religion, gender, ethnicity or personal
issues that would be of a hurtful nature to
an individual.
• These should never be tolerated in the
classroom by the instructor, or C-CERT,
by a member.
Module 2 – Slide 31
 Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Effective Trainer Behaviors

• Effective Trainers are:
– Prepared
– Energetic
– Sensitive
– A role model
• Use humor
• Share leadership

Module 2 – Slide 32
Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Key Points For Adult Training

• Must be relevant.
• Should be of immediate use.
• Most important resource in the training
is the student.
• Must focus at all times on the learner.

Module 2 – Slide 33
 Adult Learning and
Educational Methodology

Summary
 Focus on real world
problems.
 Relate learning to
participants goal.
 Allow debate and
challenge of ideas.
 Encourage participants to
be resources to you and
to each other.

Module 2 – Slide 34