Unit 3: Adult Learning Principles
©SHRM
2009
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Learning
A relatively permanent change in
human capabilities that is not a
result of growth processes.
Noe, 2008
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©SHRM
2009
Unit 3 Class 1: Adult Learning Principles
Learning objectives: By the end of this unit,
students will:
1. Define andragogy.
2. Define learning as a change in behavior or
cognitive process.
3. Describe characteristics of adult learners.
4. Describe principles of adult learning.
5. Apply principles of adult learning to training.
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©SHRM
2009
Adult Learning Principles
Adult learners are different.
It’s not like working with children.
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2009
Andragogy
• Andragogy: The art and science of helping
adults learn.
• Educating adults involves understanding adult
learning principles.
Knowles, 1970
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2009
Adult Learning Theory
• The andragogy model is based on several
assumptions:
> Adults have the need to know why they are learning
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something.
Adults have a need to be self-directed.
Adults bring more work-related experience into the
learning situation.
Adults enter into a learning experience with a
problem-centered approach to learning.
Adults are motivated to learn by both extrinsic and
intrinsic motivators.
Noe (2008) pg. 133
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Learning Is Change
• Learning is a change in behavior or
cognitive process.
• In training it is a change in knowledge,
skill or attitude.
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2009
Characteristics of Adult Learners
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Control over learning.
High motivation to learn.
Pragmatic in learning.
Learning may be a secondary role.
Resistant to change.
Adult learners are more diverse.
Draw on past experiences in learning.
Learning is often self-initiated.
Learning is aimed at an immediate goal.
Houle, 1984
Ball, 1996
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2009
What Is Learning?
• Learning is a permanent change in human
capabilities that is not a result of the growth
process.
• Learning outcomes: What do we learn?
> Verbal information.
> Intellectual skills.
> Motor skills.
> Attitudes.
> Cognitive strategy.
Noe, 2008
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2009
The Learning Cycle
• The learning cycle is a dynamic process that
involves four specific stages:
> Concrete experience.
> Reflective observation.
> Abstract conceptualization.
> Active experimentation.
• The key to effective learning is to be competent
in each of the four stages.
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Learning Styles
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Diverger
Assimilator
Converger
Accommodator
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Kolb’s Learning Styles
What Learning Style Are You?
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Unit 3 Class 2: The Learning Process
• How do people learn new information?
> Visual.
> Auditory.
> Kinesthetic.
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2009
The Learning Process
• Learning occurs through both mental and physical
processes:
> Expectancy.
> Perception.
> Working storage.
> Semantic encoding.
> Rehearsal.
> Organization.
> Elaboration.
> Retrieval.
> Generalizing.
> Gratifying.
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2009
Learning Theories
• Reinforcement theory:
> People are motivated to perform or avoid
certain behaviors because of past
experience based on that behavior.
• Positive reinforcement.
• Negative reinforcement.
• Extinction.
> How can this theory be used in training?
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Social Learning Theory
• People learn by observing other people
(models) they think are knowledgeable and
credible.
• The model’s behavior is adopted.
• Self-efficacy: The individual must believe he or
she iscapable of learning.
• Four processes in learning:
> Attention.
> Retention.
> Motor reproduction.
> Motivation.
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Goal Theories
• Goal-setting theory:
> Behavior results from a person’s intentional goals
and objectives
• Goal orientation:
> Learning orientation.
> Performance orientation.
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Need Theories
• A need is a deficiency that a person
experiences at a certain time.
• A need motivates a person to behave in a way
that satisfies the deficiency.
• Need theory suggests that trainers should
identify the trainee needs and communicate to
them how the training will satisfy that need.
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2009
Expectancy Theory
• Behavior is linked to three factors:
> Expectancies: The trainee’s belief that increasing
effort will lead to higher performance.
> Instrumentality: The trainee’s belief that performing a
certain behavior will lead to an expected reward.
> Valence: The value that the trainee places on the
reward.
• How does this relate to training?
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2009
Information Processing Theory
• Information processing theory:
> Information is taken in by the brain.
> Information undergoes transformation.
> Information is encoded into short-term or long-
term memory.
> Information is stored and available for later
retrieval and use.
> Feedback from the environment.
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2009
Learning Theories
How will you apply these theories
into your training design?
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2009