5.Motivation to Learn
5. Motivation to Learn
Adults learn when they are willing to learn. Adult learner motivation is mainly driven by internal motives. External factors do not suffice. Each person develops their own methods of motivation based on their own reasons, for example, professional development or personal growth. In training contexts, be sure to offer contextualized learning experiences that can respond to the original motivation to learn.
There are different strategies to make sure these principles translate into practice in learning contexts and offers:
1.Planning an analysis and assessment phase
Create and design your learning offer based on the learning needs assessments of the learners it is directed to. Analyze your learning offer with these principles in mind and ensure a learner-centered approach that supports the adult learning process.
2.Use a collaborative learning approach
Create a space of participation by involving your learners as much as possible. Be aware of their motivations, expectations, learning needs, and preferences. Encourage collaboration, opinions, and discussion and ask for feedback on learning and tools provided.
3.Facilitate and empower self-directed learning
Foster a learning space and experience that meets the adult learning need for autonomy. Always keep in mind that they are able to control, motivate, supervise and adjust their own learning.
4.Contextualized learning to ensure the transfer to the practice
Applicability and relevance are key components in adult learning. Build your course content upon real-world examples, so learners can reflect on how to apply the new knowledge in their life.
5.Problem-solving oriented approach
Rather than presenting facts, engage adult learners in active problem-solving processes that relate to the competencies they are developing. Allow space for learners to manipulate and directly engage with knowledge and information, to explore the subject and learn from their mistakes. For example, use scenarios or case studies to prompt their exploration and to help them experience firsthand the consequences of their actions or behaviors.
6.Experimentation is a crucial part of learning
As human beings, we are shaped by our experiences. For adults especially, experience is the main source of learning and learning represents a way of making sense of experiences. Adults learn best when they learn by doing. In your courses and trainings, involve learners so that they experience the learning rather than being told and asked to memorize new knowledge and information.
Food for thought!