Adult Learning and Participatory Training. Definition Training (event): –Dictionary definition = activity leading to skilled behaviour –Interpretation.

Adult Learning and Participatory Training

Definition

• Training (event):– Dictionary definition = activity leading to skilled

behaviour– Interpretation = skills development leading to a

defined learning outcome– Event = time bound

• Skills development, learning and knowledge

Learning as children

Do you remember going to school?

Did you like it?

If you did, why did you like it?

If you did not, why did you continue to go to school?

Child and adult learning

Children:

• Told what to learn

• Accept information at face value

• Learn for long-term future

Adults:

• Decide what to learn

• Take in information based on experiences

• Learn for immediate use

Child and adult learning (continued)

Children:• Have little ability to

serve as a knowledgeable resource to the teacher or the rest of the class

Adults:• Have experiences

and skills to share with the facilitator and the other participants

Summary: Adults learn best when…

• They know why they are learning

• They use their own experiences

• They use a problem-solving approach

• The topic is of immediate value• Learning involves an active process of reflection and

discussion

Learning styles

Some people learn by hearing and listening.

They are called AUDIO or AUDITORY learners.

Learning styles

Some people learn by seeing, watching or reading.

They are called VISUAL learners.

Learning styles

Some people learn by doing.

They are called KINAESTHETIC or TACTILE learners.

I hear, and I forgetI see, and I rememberI do, and I understand

Chinese proverb

Effective training?

In the past, much ‘training’ looked like this:

Participatory training

Training based around adult learning principles looks more like this:

Participatory training: key features

• Both trainers and trainees are knowledgeable and experienced- there may not be one right answer

• The training event is a learning experience for both trainer and trainees

Role of the facilitator

“The mind is not a cup to be filled, but a fire to be ignited”Ancient Greek saying, Plutarch

What are some alternatives to lectures?

Top training tips

3 Use flipcharts for brainstorms and hang results up

4 Get participants to talk within first 5 mins

1 Keep lectures short!!

2 Mix up activities

buzz groups, small group and large group discussions

How can you make your training more participatory?Think about this training

workshop…• What aspects have

helped you to learn?• What other thing could

you do to facilitate learning?

Making a plan

What is the problem?

What is your objective?

Conclusion

• What have you learnt?

• What will you do differently?

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