CALPRO Logo

Understanding the Adult Learner, Session One: Adult Learning and Development

This is the first of two, 3-hour sessions on how adults learn and the implications for adult literacy programs. The first session explores the unique characteristics of adult learners as well as adult motivation, needs, and self-concept and their effect on learning. It also explores adult development and the implications for effective teaching.

Session 2 explores ways to create an effective learning environment that is responsive to the needs and motivations of adult learners.

GOAL AND OBJECTIVES

Goal

The goal of this session is to provide participants with a general understanding of adult learning and development so that they can design and deliver instruction that is responsive to the needs of adult learners.

Objectives

By the end of Session 1, participants will be able to:

  1. Identify principles of adult learning;
  2. Describe the role of motivation, needs, and self-concept in adult learning;
  3. Discuss the construct of adult development;
  4. Outline the key differences between andragogy and pedagogy; and
  5. Identify implications for effective teaching of adults.