Principles of Teaching Adults

Sometimes we teach adults the same way we taught children. However, good adult learning appreciates that they learn differently than children. Good adult learning therefore includes the following essentials.

 

Conduct needs Assessment: Adults want to participate in deciding what needs to be learned

Paulo Friere said, “Good adult teachers are effective listeners” who attend to the needs and desires of the participants in the group”. Listen to their background and why they enrolled in this course or learning event. What do they want/need to learn in this experience? Yes, the teacher does know some of what needs to be taught but negotiates this with the participants. I asked an adult class one time, “Why did each one of you enroll in this event?” The subject was church doctrine and one woman responded, “I want to learn these doctrines so well I can teach them to a child”. A profound and very personal reason for being in that class.

 

Guard the safety of the event and the dignity of each adult. Perhaps they did not do well in public school or had a bad experience. Therefore, provide a setting wherein they can ask questions and express feelings or opinions safely. Watch out for the intellectual bullies and also attend to the insecure. However, safety is not the same as easy, but it does allow students to take on challenges. But also encourage students to be open and be receptive to differing opinions and change their view where needed. No question is rejected, even if we do not have time to address it in “class”.

 

Good adult teachers are good travel guides. Clearly state the learning goals and revisit them occasionally. Adults deserve to know where we are going on this learning journey and what we hope to see. They make the experience lively, engaging and clear

 

Develop a sound relationship between the teacher (s) and the other learners. A strong relationship between teacher and student happens in places other than the classroom. Encourage inquiry and curiosity of the teacher as well. Adults learn together, and this includes the teacher. Teachers of adults earn trust through time, openness and shared food. Trust is part of this experience.

 

Ensure a clear sequence of learning and reinforcement. Start with basics and move forward…principle upon principle. Begin where the participants are in their experience and knowledge, not where the teacher is. Provide time for dialogue, often attached to a life experience. Use small groups and triads to keep discussion alive and relevant. The word “Praxis” means to provide opportunity to put into place what we have learned. Give practical suggestions on how to apply this-even if in role play settings.

 

Teach the head and the heart. Where possible, instill a love for the subject and a desire to keep learning. Good adult teachers encourage the learners to keep growing and learning on their own.

 

Gather feedback after the event is completed. While ensuring confidentiality, learn from them how the event has gone and in what ways it helped them. I remember reading a student’s response to a class I taught. “The worst thing about this course was the teacher. The best way to improve it is to get rid of the teacher and find someone else to teach the course.