Adult Learning

Cognitive learning      Associated with intellectual skills involving comprehension, analysis, problem solving, and evaluation. Cognitive learning is most closely related to teaching facts, figures, concepts, principles, and procedures.

Psychomotor learning     Related to motor-skill development, muscular coordination, manipulation of materials, and objects.

Affective learning     involves attitudes, values, opinions, and motivation.

Active Participation      When possible the learner should be involved in designing the learning experience.

Adult Learning Theory     Adults react to teaching in varied ways, but most adults who respond positively to learning do so because solid learning principles are applied.

Motivation
Pace
Active participation
Conciseness
Problem-centered
Application
Climate

Motivation   Viewers must feel that there is something in it for them. What is the motivation to learn?

Pace    Adults learn most effectively when they are allowed to learn at their own pace.

Active Participation      When possible the learner should be involved in designing the learning experience.

Conciseness      Respect the fact that the viewer is devoting valuable time to the training program. No matter how motivated they are, audiences prefer short programs that address the problem accurately and deliver the message efficiently.

Problem-Centered      Programs that are problem-centered rather than content-centered are received better by adult audiences. The audience is apt to get more involved if problems are presented and solutions generated.

Application     Adults are eager to apply the new skills they have learned.

Climate    The proper learning climate must be created. The producer of the training program must know the conditions of viewing in order to write a program that will address potentially negative conditions as well as teach the audience and meet its objectives.