Adult Learners
First Assignment (6 Characteristics of Adult Learners)
Mark McDonald II
08/23/2013
Six Characteristics
In my research, I have found that preparing for the adult learner is much different than one might think. In this first assignment, I explore six characteristics of adult learners, identify training that we currently offer that honors one of the six characteristics, and identify a possible improvement that will honor this characteristic.
I have learned as adult educators in the blood banking industry we must first understand the many different characteristics of the adult learners we will be educating. For example, trying to teach a new employee to tie his or her shoes will not be of a benefit as it would a 4-year-old child. Understanding that the adult learner first is motivated to learn is the first of the six characteristics.
Motivations
Motivation to learn in all adults will affect many internal factors such as desires. Some of these desires are for an increased self-confidence, a need for an increase in job satisfaction, improved quality of life (moving up the latter), and increased recognition. A few external factors affect the motivations of adult learners such as pressure …show more content…
Most adult learners are relevancy-oriented; adults must see a reason for learning. They may not be interested in knowledge for knowledge sake however; this must have a practical purpose. They need to know how the training activity and or class will benefit them in their current life situation. An example is a new supervisor that is newly appointed, he or she must complete new supervisor training to gain the knowledge that will equip him or her for this new role. I believe our role is to help match the goals and objectives of the adult learners that we train. Explaining the why, what, when, and how in every training, or activity will help the adult learner get orientated to learning (Knowles,
Mark McDonald II
08/23/2013
Six Characteristics
In my research, I have found that preparing for the adult learner is much different than one might think. In this first assignment, I explore six characteristics of adult learners, identify training that we currently offer that honors one of the six characteristics, and identify a possible improvement that will honor this characteristic.
I have learned as adult educators in the blood banking industry we must first understand the many different characteristics of the adult learners we will be educating. For example, trying to teach a new employee to tie his or her shoes will not be of a benefit as it would a 4-year-old child. Understanding that the adult learner first is motivated to learn is the first of the six characteristics.
Motivations
Motivation to learn in all adults will affect many internal factors such as desires. Some of these desires are for an increased self-confidence, a need for an increase in job satisfaction, improved quality of life (moving up the latter), and increased recognition. A few external factors affect the motivations of adult learners such as pressure …show more content…
Most adult learners are relevancy-oriented; adults must see a reason for learning. They may not be interested in knowledge for knowledge sake however; this must have a practical purpose. They need to know how the training activity and or class will benefit them in their current life situation. An example is a new supervisor that is newly appointed, he or she must complete new supervisor training to gain the knowledge that will equip him or her for this new role. I believe our role is to help match the goals and objectives of the adult learners that we train. Explaining the why, what, when, and how in every training, or activity will help the adult learner get orientated to learning (Knowles,