Knowles’ Adult Learning Principles
To develop courses for adults or to be an effective instructor, it is important that you understand what motivates adults to learn. A lot of what we know about adult learners comes from the research of Malcolm Knowles. He proposed his Adult Learning Theory model. This model states adult learners:
- Need to know why they should learn.
- Learn through experience and use their prior experience in the process.
- Want to take responsibility for their learning.
- Want learning to be immediately relevant to their lives or jobs.
- Are task-oriented rather than information-oriented.
- Respond better to internal versus external motivators.
To be successful as an instructor, step away from the traditional teacher-student role. Instead, adopt a learner-centered approach to training that allows participants to engage with the content and provide them with problem-solving opportunities. Participants bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom, but they need help connecting it to new information. Explain how participants can use the training to improve their lives or jobs, and create a supportive learning environment, so participants will be less anxious about making mistakes when trying something new.
For more information on meeting the needs of adult learners, you can refer to the following NHI publications:
