Technical Assistance
Adult Learning Priniciples
When you are teaching adults, make sure you are following principles of adult education. These represent best practices in training. Here are six actionable principles.7
- Adult learners are practical and problem-centered.
Do provide overviews and summaries, plan for direct application
of new material, teach through problem-solving activities and
offer several application ideas. Don’t be too theoretical.
- Adults learners need reassurance.
Do provide low-risk activities, avoid embarrassing individuals,
plan for building incremental success and help them become more
competent. Don’t make them feel threatened.
- Adult learners integrate new ideas with
existing knowledge. Do help them recall what they already
know, ask for their input, suggest follow up ideas and allow
adequate time for discussion. Don’t treat them like a
blank slate.
- Adult learners desire respect as individuals.
Do show respect for the individual learner, provide for their
needs through adequate breaks, use their time effectively, affirm
their knowledge and successes and provide opportunities for
input on the schedule or process. Don’t talk down to participants.
- Adult learners have a wealth of life
experience. Do capitalize on their rich experiences,
plan activities that use their experience and knowledge, help
them unlearn old habits and listen carefully to them before,
during and after the event. Don’t ignore what they know.
- Adult learners prefer having options. Do allow choice and self-direction, build plans around their needs and goals, ask for input on the lesson plans, build in optional activities and suggest follow up steps after the training session. Don’t give them options beyond their level of experience.