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If you’re a training professional, chances are you’ve heard the name Malcolm Knowles. Born in 1913, Knowles was an influential American educator who popularized the concept of “andragogy.” While “andragogy” might sound like a daunting medical term, it actually refers to the art and science of how adults learn.
In the 1970’s (original) and early 1980’s (revised), Knowles developed a set of core adult learning principles that have since become foundational in instructional design and training delivery. As a trainer, your goal is to create a learning environment that incorporates all these principles to effectively reach all your learners. By integrating these adult learning principles into your course design, you can ensure your training is motivational, interactive, and relevant. This approach not only enhances the learning experience for your participants but also makes your job as a facilitator much easier.
Let’s dive into each of these principles and explore some practical tips for applying them in a virtual classroom setting. As you read through them, think about your current courses and see which principles you’re already using and which ones you need to incorporate.
Self-Direction
Adults are used to being autonomous and self-directed. They come with their own expectations and needs that must be met. Unlike children, who often rely on teachers to guide their learning, adults prefer to take control of their own learning journey. They appreciate having the freedom to make decisions about their learning process and to pursue topics that are of personal interest to them.
Virtual Classroom Application: Allow participants to set their own ground rules at the start of the course. This can be done by having them vote using status icons or a poll to decide on break times, rather than dictating them yourself. When you provide choices and respect their autonomy, participants will be more invested in the learning process. Additionally, since adult learners are self-directed, give them opportunities to explore, and even make mistakes, on their own. Encourage them to take initiative in discussions and activities and provide resources they can explore independently.
Experience
Adults bring a wealth of experience with them. They have lived through various personal and professional scenarios that have shaped their perspectives and skills. They like to speak, participate, and contribute based on their experiences. They generally dislike long lectures that don’t acknowledge or build on what they already know.
Virtual Classroom Application: Leverage the experience of your adult learners by incorporating peer mentoring. Pair experienced participants with less knowledgeable ones and allow them to interact through private chat or breakout sessions. Use icebreakers to reveal shared experiences. For example, give learners five minutes in small groups to list things they all have in common on a whiteboard in breakout rooms. This not only builds camaraderie but also highlights the collective experience within the group.
Time Orientation
Adults have a here-and-now perspective. They want to focus on current issues and tasks that are immediately relevant to their lives and work. They are less interested in material that may be useful in the distant future.
Virtual Classroom Application: Teach tasks that attendees will use in their current roles. Ensure the skills and knowledge you impart are immediately applicable. One effective strategy is to follow up with their managers or supervisors to ensure trainees use their new skills within 30 days. Studies show that if a new skill isn’t used within 30 days, 90% of it will be forgotten. By ensuring immediate application, you reinforce the learning and demonstrate its relevance.
Relevance
Adults want courses that focus on real-life problems and tasks rather than abstract or academic material. They prefer a strong how-to focus and become restless if their time is wasted on information that doesn’t directly apply to their needs.
Virtual Classroom Application: Focus on teaching tasks rather than topics. Maintain a brisk pace and schedule and omit “nice-to-know” information—concentrate on what learners need to know. The virtual classroom moves quickly, so save less critical details for intersession work or additional resources that learners can explore on their own time. Make sure every piece of content has a clear, immediate application to their roles and responsibilities.
Benefits
Adults see learning as a means to an end. They need to understand the benefits and see progress being made. They are motivated by understanding how learning will help them achieve their personal and professional goals.
Virtual Classroom Application: Highlight the importance of the content. Clearly articulate the personal and professional benefits of mastering the material. Focus on how the skills they are learning will improve their job performance, career prospects, or personal satisfaction. Provide examples and case studies that illustrate the real-world impact of the training. Regularly check in with learners to track their progress and celebrate milestones.
Self-Esteem
Adults have something to lose and need to maintain their self-esteem and feel heard. Learning environments that threaten their self-esteem or make them feel unvalued are counterproductive.
Virtual Classroom Application: Ensure adequate climate building before diving into course content. Use icebreakers, energizers, and brainteasers to create a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere. We use puzzles and brainteasers as part of our warmup before each session. Most people need to feel safe, secure, and comfortable before they can fully engage in learning. Start with easier practice sessions that are more prompted, then add complexities as learners gain proficiency. This approach builds confidence and allows learners to take risks without fear of failure.
Participation
Adults are accustomed to being active and should be given opportunities for active participation whenever possible. Passive learning environments can lead to disengagement and boredom.
Virtual Classroom Application: Include practice sessions throughout the course rather than just at the end. Use frequent small-group sessions to keep learners engaged and active. In the virtual classroom, where distractions are many, engage learners every 3-5 minutes. Provide opportunities for them to express themselves, work together, and stay active. Use a variety of interactive tools such as polls, quizzes, breakout rooms, and collaborative documents to facilitate participation.
Here are some additional tips for incorporating adult learning principles:
1. Use Real-World Scenarios: Incorporate case studies and simulations that reflect real-world challenges your learners face. This not only makes the learning more relevant but also allows them to apply their knowledge in a practical context.
2. Provide Immediate Feedback: Adults appreciate knowing how they’re doing and what they can improve. Provide immediate, constructive feedback during activities and assessments. This helps them understand their progress and areas for improvement.
3. Encourage Peer Learning: Facilitate opportunities for learners to share their knowledge and experiences with each other. This can be done through group discussions, peer reviews, or collaborative projects. Peer learning fosters a sense of community and leverages the diverse experiences of adult learners.
4. Customize Learning Paths: Recognize that adult learners come with different backgrounds and skill levels. Where possible, customize learning paths to meet individual needs. This can be done through pre-assessment, offering elective modules, or providing additional resources for those who need more support.
Implementing these principles effectively requires reflection and continuous improvement. Consider how many of these seven principles you are currently implementing in your training. Do you have additional tips for incorporating them? How are you building these principles into your virtual classroom training?
Integrating Malcolm Knowles’ adult learning principles into your training programs can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your training. By creating a learning environment that respects and leverages the autonomy, experience, and needs of adult learners, you can ensure your training is engaging, relevant, and impactful.
Check out our How Adults Learn workshop for more techniques that will help you connect with your audience and build your credibility as a trainer. In this workshop, you’ll learn about each powerful adult learning principle and see them applied in real-time through various activities and exercises.
This article was first published February 17, 2022
