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| Image credit: i.chzbgr.com |
A friend recently posted on Facebook asking for ideas on how to teach
adult learners. I immediately remembered a document that one of my
mentors gave me while I was an instructional coach (basically an
in-house school leader who does professional development with teachers
in small and large groups). Here are a few ideas for adult learners
that jumped out when I looked over the document again. I needed this
refresher as I develop teacher trainings for new and returning teachers
at my new school this August.
1.) Don't plan a training for right after lunch. The first hour after
lunch is the hardest time for adults to learn (Eric Jensen).
2.) Give adult learners the opportunity to do a Quick Write. This is
something I have always done with students. Give them a Post-It note and
two minutes to summarize what they have just learned. Adults who do
not summarize their learning lose it within one hour (Bob Garmston).
3.) Adults must understand the relevance ("The Why") to their new
learning (Garmston). I always tried to start my student lessons with
discussing why it was important for them to learn a particular concept.
It created a level of buy-in.
4.) The average adult forgets 25% within one hour and forgets 85% within
one week (Bob Pike). Make the subject matter relevant and practical!
5.) Adults need a break about every 50 - 60 minutes (Jensen). Try
elevating your elbow above your heart for 10 seconds. It refreshes the
circulatory system. Just like kids, adults need brain breaks too.
What are you wondering now?
Source: Texas Staff Development Council
