Accelerate Learning Uptake in Adults
In my last blog, I shared the origins of instructional design and the five basic elements of instruction. Following this flow enables efficient learning, accelerating the uptake and application back on the job.
1. Provide an intro (give context, link to the big picture, connect to the learner’s frame of reference)
2. Provide content (in chunks that are “digestible” for the leaner)
3. Provide practice
4. Provide feedback
5. Conclude (bring them out of the trees to look at the forest again, review main points and re-connect to big picture)
While these elements apply to learners of any age, there are a few important things to keep in mind when dealing with adults. For most busy adults, their time is precious. They’re not willing to waste it. If they are forced to sit through a boring ineffective training session – be it 1x1 or a group session - they will resent it.
So know your audience – familiarize with their prior knowledge and exposure to the topic at hand. As opposed to youngsters, we adults have a lifetime of experience built up in our brains and bodies. This existing web of knowledge and skills affects how we process new ideas, concepts and tasks. We fit new info we receive into our existing “mental schema” of understanding - that’s the learning process in adults. So, if possible, ask questions about the learners’ past background with the task or subject matter. That’s the first step in engaging and connecting with them.
Occasionally people get frustrated by someone who says, “where I used to work, we did it like this,” or “that’s different from my previous job” and so on. But most of the time, those comments are actually a good thing. The learner is actively comparing the new way of doing things to their prior experience, making connections and starting to integrate it into the existing web of knowledge in their brains. It could be anything - preparing a budget for example, or learning a new process for ensuring safe work conditions on a manufacturing floor, or adjusting to a new food preparation process in the kitchen.
Meet the learner where they’re at and encourage them to link the current learning or training to prior experiences. You will boost their engagement and – even more importantly – accelerate their uptake.