Why Adults Learn.
By Malcolm Hornsby
February 2006
Adult Learning Principles
Training involves the application of these general principles to a particular learning
situation. These principles should help teachers to plan good lessons, deliver them
effectively and evaluate them afterwards.
Over Learning
This principle states: Learning of a task is enhanced by frequent attempts to recall
the learned material. I.e. this involves repetition of the task beyond the initial
mastery.
Multiple Sense Learning
This principle states: Presentation methods that use two or more senses are more
effective than using one sense only. The most important senses for information and
theory are sight and hearing. Nevertheless, do not forget the others - particularly
if teaching physical skills.
Active Learning
This principle states: Students learn more effectively and quickly when they are
actively involved in the learning process. We learn by doing. Beware of note taking
as a form of active learning the student’s fingers may be busy, but their brains
may be numb.
Feedback
This principle states: Learning proceeds more efficiently when both trainer and
student give opinions to each other. Lessons should involve two way communications.
Feedback is a way to assist others to change their behaviour, teachers must give
effective feedback on how well their actions appear to be, and this helps people
to keep on target to achieve goals.
Effective feedback criteria are;
- descriptive rather than judgmental,
- both positive and negative,
- specific rather than general,
- take account of giver and receiver needs,
- directed at behaviour on which the receiver can take action,
- solicited rather than imposed,
- checked to ensure clear intent,
- directed primarily at performance,
- most useful if given immediately,
Meaningful Material
This principle states: Students understand, and therefore study matter only when
it is related to their existing knowledge. A student can probably recall facts,
etc. which he has committed to memory, but if you want the student to comprehend
fully, you must give a frame of reference into which the isolated bits of information
can be fitted.
Primacy and Recency
This principle states: Students can recall well those things they learn first and
last in sequence. First impressions are lasting, sums up the principle of Primacy,
the principle of Recency is almost as axiomatic.
Reinforcement
This principle states: Learning which is rewarded is more likely to be retained.
It is also a cornerstone of motivation.
Variety
This principle states: Material presented in a variety of ways, or in unusual ways,
is remembered best.