These are my 8 key concepts to be considered when creating any adult learning material.
Each concept includes actions that should be taken to assist participant knowledge retention.
Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Orientation.pptx
Andrew's Eight Adult Learning Concepts
1.
2. Adults learn concepts in blocks1:
Action:
• Treat each concept as an individual block
3. Adults have a 5-7min attention span2:
Action:
• Make each block less than 7mins
• Grab attention at the start of each block
4. Adults learn by building on their
previous knowledge
3:
Action:
• Put each block in a logical order
• Use analogies to help learners link to
previous experience
5. Adults process information they believe
is important to them (“WIIFM”)
4:
Action:
• Explain the benefits before the session
• Explain the benefits before each block
• Tie it to “on the job” at the end of each block
6. Adults forget quickly5:
Action:
• “Have to know” in the classroom;
• “Nice to know” in supporting materials
• Get their attention at the start of each block
• Create opportunity to reflect after each block
• Ensure they put it into practice ASAP
7. Adults have to process information to
learn
6:
Action:
• At the end of each block, make time for:
• Silence / contemplation
• Discussion / clarification
• Create opportunity for purposeful practice
8. Adults process information best while
asleep
7:
Action:
• Recap the following morning
• Layer complex concepts over multiple days
• Conduct assessments between 24-72 hours
later