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Adult Learning Theory
The chart on the next page summarizes the key adult learning principles and acts as a
guideline when developing an Instructor Guide and/or Training Modules.
Adult Learning Preferences:
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7.
Adults need to know why they should learn something.
Adults need to learn experientially.
Adults approach learning as problem-solving.
Adults learn best when [they believe that] the topic is of “immediate value.”
Adults need to be involved in planning and evaluating their instruction.
Experience, including mistakes, provides the basis for learning activities.
Adults are most interested in learning subjects that have immediate relevance to
their jobs or personal lives.
8. Adult learning is problem-centered rather than content-oriented.
What does this mean for training materials?
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Create training pages that always include a graphic in the slide and ALWAYS
include text in the notes page. Use few, if any, text slides.
Do not have a page without text on the notes page. The adult does not know how
to react to empty space. Placing the words, “for note taking,” is better than a blank
page.
Always include exercises to drive home key points. An exercise can be simple or
complex. Whatever you choose, you need to assure the exercise delivers learning
in an experiential way. Do not teach an exercise. Adults must DO the exercise.
Provide enough time to complete exercises.
Do not create an exercise you do not expect to use.
For slides and notes pages, ALWAYS use numbers or letters if you refer to steps.
Use bullets if the information presented is not ‘ordered’ or if it is random.
If you teach a tool, form, or template make sure it depicted in the materials.
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Juran Material Development Features
Applies to:
When to Use:
0
Create or Update the Learning Map
IG and Agenda
All Workshops
1
Develop Opening Prompts for Modules
IG
Each Module
2
Develop Opening Prompts for New Concepts/Tools
IG
Each New Concept
3
Pre-Class Activities for each Day
IG and Agenda
Each Day
4
Daily Written Feedback - Ratings and Plus/Delta
IG and Agenda
Each Day
5
Daily Feedback Follow-up Beginning of Next Day
IG and Agenda
Each Day
6
Case Studies
IG and Agenda
As Appropriate
7
Exercises to List How This Applies to Your Job
Participant Materials
Each Module as Appropriate
8
5 Minute Rule: Ask a question in first 5 minutes
IG
Each Module
9
Text in the Notes Section
Participant Materials
As Appropriate
10
Instructor Prompts to Use Flip Chart
IG
As Appropriate
11
Standup Exercises to Engage All
Participant Materials
Twice per day
12
Tool Templates for Participant Use
Participant Materials
Each Module as Appropriate
13
Pre-Work for the Workshop (Awareness of Value)
IG and Agenda
Each Workshop
14
Built-In Instructor Prompted Questions Throughout
IG
Each Module
15
Hands-On Activities
IG and Agenda
As Appropriate
16
Built-In Cartoons with a Learning Point
Participant Materials
As Appropriate
17
Hand Outs
IG and Agenda
As Appropriate
18
Videos
IG and Agenda
As Appropriate
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