Train the Trainer Course

How Adults Learn Best

Adults bring specific needs

• They need to know the purpose and relevance of learning something
• They bring a wealth of experience – need to be able to link experience to new ideas
• They are diverse in individual motivations
• They may be resistant to change but learning brings

How we learn

70% On-the-job experience

20% Near-the-job informal training

10% Structured learning

Reflection: learning happens when we reflect on what we do.

Learning is often informal and unplanned.

Reflection helps us make sense of experiences and learn from them.

VISUAL Learning Style

• Use mind maps, diagrams, images, pictures and colour
• Write key points on a flip chart or presentation slide
• Use illustrations to represent processes
• Ask the delegate to draw ideas/diagrams or take notes

AUDITORY Learning Style

• Encourage discussion and explanation
• Ask delegates to repeat key points verbally
• Suggest recording key ideas as spoken notes
• Use music, tone and rhythm

KINAESTHETIC Learning Styles

• Use physical movement and practical tasks
• Encourage role play, simulations and games
• Use props and objects
• Ask learners to build, move or manipulate items

Approaches to Learning

Activist

• Learn by doing
• Enjoy new experiences
• Act first, consider consequences later

Reflector

• Observe and think before acting
• Prefer to stand back and review
• Collect data and analyse

Theorist

• Think through problems logically
• Value models, systems and concepts
• Seek rationality and objectivity

Pragmatist

• Keen to try things out
• Focus on practical application
• Want ideas that work in practice