Preparing for Instruction 1- Characteristics of Adult Learners

 Legault, N. (2011, September 25). An Overview of the Principles of Adult Learning. [Digital image]. Retrieved May 24, 2016, from https://nlegault.ca/2011/09/25/infographic-an-overview-of-the-principles-of-adult-learning/

       According to Merriam and Bierema (2014), adult learners differ from children in a few ways; "an adult is in a different position in the life span than a child,...going to school is a child's full-time job! Adults, in contrast, have many other roles and responsibilities" (p.11). "Another dimension that differentiates adult learners from children is an adult's life experiences and that.... adults are developmentally at different stages in the life cycle (p.12, italics added). I found this really great infographic that visually puts together Merriam and Bieremas characteristics of adult learners.

        I find this info graph appealing because it includes four points as to how the principles of adult learners can be applied. One way I can implement these principles in the classroom is making sure I have a clear rationale for each topic or skill that is discussed in the skills lab. Adult learners like to know why and one way I can prepare for this is to have rationale available. For example, if I was teaching the skill of bed making, when I explain the importance of making sure the flat sheet is smooth, I can add in that creases in the sheets can cause breakdown and pressure sores to the skin of  an immobile patient.

       Another way i can use these principles in my teaching is to allow the adult learners to learn from their mistakes, in the lab environment. Instead of having them demonstrate a skill step by step as the instructions are read, I could have them show the skill as they think it is supposed to be done and then give them feedback as to where they could do better at the end. This would allow them to make the mistakes and learn how to correct those mistakes.

        This info graph was an easy way to understand the characteristics of an adult learner and i hope you find it as useful as i did.

                                                                  Article 

 https://nlegault.ca/2011/09/25/infographic-an-overview-of-the-principles-of-adult-learning/


                                                            References      

Legault,N(2011,September 25).[INFOGRAPHIC] An Overview of the Principles of Adult Learning. Retrieved May 24, 2016, from https://nlegault.ca/2011/09/25/infographic-an-overview-of-the-principles-of-adult-learning/

Merriam, S. B. & Bierema, L. L. (2014). Adult learning. San Francisco, CA: John Wiley & Sons.

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