Page 64 - OSEP Master Educator LG V1.0-2

Adult learners like to know they are respected

• Take interest in learners, they need to feel valued and included.
• Encourage their interest and expression of ideas and recognise their prior
knowledge

Adults are relevancy oriented so learning must be applied to real life situations
• Adult orientation to learning is life- centred. The trainer should therefore use life
situations as a base for providing the instruction.

• Provide real- life scenarios where a participant may use this knowledge to
give context to the learning, thus giving it purpose
• They will always want to know what the learning can do for them and be tuned in
to WII FM – “What’s in it for me?” (Why are they there? What do they expect to
achieve? How quickly will they achieve it?)

Adults are practical and like hands- on learning

• They like to be given the opportunity to practise learning in real life
scenarios so where possible, enable them to use the skills they are learning
rather than to watch or listen

• Avoid ‘talking at’ the learners for long periods of time – break it up with
some practical activities, discussion or a break to keep the learners
interested

Adult learners need effective feedback
• Adults need to know they are doing the right thing
• Feedback can be given as an observation of behaviour

• Use feedback to encourage and reinforce their behaviour

OSEP Master Educator Learner’s Guide Page 61