Tips to enhance adult learning

Adult learning usually happens due to inquisitiveness to know or need to know. Adult learning is always self motivated that makes learning process more organized in comparison to child learning. Few adult learning methodologies are as follows.

Andragogy method involves self-directed learning method by the learner based on personal needs and ability to apply in a practical way.
Transformational learning actually changes the learner's existing old beliefs and expectations through a rational and analytical process.
Experiential learning methodology makes the learner as the key person in learning process. Learning takes place through active process of doing.
Self-directed learning process is such that the learner takes complete responsibility of learning process to diagnose learning needs, identifying resources and practical implementation of learning.
Project-based learning gives opportunity to the learner in active investigation through process of inquiry, critical thinking and problem solving.

Action learning method teaches learner to take action on a problem and reflect upon the result.

Implementing methodologies:

Blended learning solution

Classroom programs blended with online courses can be made more interactive through slide based teaching method or by screencasts etc. Quizzes can be also an enjoyable personal interactive teaching method. Blended learning is about more than just using computers in the classroom though. Training is turning into a more collaborative exercise and instructors are looking for ways to engage the learners.

Link learning

Link learning method is sometimes a useful tool in adult teaching. Teaching must consist of processes that help the learners to come out with a specific outcome as per the industrial requirement. As an example we can show some accounts software in details in the class room for an account learner. Link learning focuses on developing learning solutions that meet the client’s needs in the areas of practical skills, health & safety and compliance.

Additional support to learners

Sometimes it is quite possible to get some learners who are very keen to learn or know more which is relevant to regular training content. These types of self-motivated learners should be always encouraged by providing more contents for their self study. LMS can be one of the best suited platforms to manage all materials which can be given to the learners.

Build communities for practice

Job responsibilities, roles of employees may change frequently as per the need of the organization. So to keep a pace with this, transformational training method can to be adapted. That is building of communities which are actually a full-fledged independent department having a proper hierarchy of employee expertise in that segment.

Content segmentation

Going through the long content at a time is sometimes very monotonous for learners and they lose their interest. Learning can be made more efficient and less time consuming by breaking up the contents into smaller module and allowing learners to learn aspect of one larger topic, so that learner can focus vividly on a particular topic which in turns help the learner to enhance efficiency in that specified topic.

Introduce microlearning

Through incorporating micro learning it is possible to give a brief and valuable updates to a learner that may create better performance. Microlearning is focused and offers just the right amount of information necessary to help a learner achieve a specific, actionable objective. This makes microlearning in business contexts especially valuable.

Influence personal learning paths

All learners may not need to be trained in the same way. As per the specific requirement of the organization it might be needed to outsourcing people. But instead of fully following outsourcing people, existing employees in the organization may be easier to train than an outsider. In this situation apply Andragogy to fulfill the individual needs of the employee.

Align learning according to employee’s need

Mostly companies prefer learning solutions which are established solution that they are familiar with. It is the responsibility of an educator to understand the need of an employee in regards of his/her performance or knowledge issues and accordingly giving them the best relevant learning solution. Align the learning method as per the needs; proper understanding of adult learning theory allows you to select the right solution for the learners, comprising of strategies as per needs. This sort of learners can be taken care off by giving extra contents for their self study.