Transcript Adults as Learners - Massachusetts Youth Soccer

Instructing the Adult Learner
Mass Youth Soccer
Annual Instructional Staff
Workshop
Mike Singleton
December 6, 2003
Diversity
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There is no other “age” where the learner is
more diverse in regard to:
Age
Educational background
Personality
Personal goals / reasons to attend education
Cultural background
6 Principles of Adult Learning
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Goal orientation
Self direction
Social learners/ problem solvers
Life experiences
Relevancy
Respect
Adults are Goal Oriented
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Adults know what they want!
You must explain how this class helps
them attain their goals.
Goal identification needs to take place
early in the course.
Adults are Self-Directed
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It is important to get participant’s perspective
about topics to be covered.
Participants should assume responsibility for
presentations and group leadership.
Participants must be shown how the class can
help them reach their goals.
Adults are Social Learners
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Want help from peers as well as
instructors.
Vary the method of instruction:
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Problem solving examples
Attention span
Build Upon Accumulated Experiences
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Adults need to associate new learning to
this knowledge / experience.
Instructors need to draw out participant’s
experience that is relevant to the topic.
Adults are Relevancy - Oriented
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Adults must see a practical reason for
learning anything.
Learning has to be applicable to their
immediate situation.
They like to know how this will be useful.
Adults Need To Be Shown Respect
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The power disparity between the student
and the instructor needs to be
acknowledged.
Acknowledge their demanding lives.
Three Critical Elements for
Effective Instruction
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Motivation
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Retention
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Transference
Motivation
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Motivation is desire to change
Motivation arises from dissatisfaction
Attitude stair steps
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awareness
understanding
concern
dissatisfaction
Motivation gap
Motivation
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All efforts will be in vain if:
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students do not see a need
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students are intimidated
Motivation
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We keep the “gap” manageable through:
Feedback - how am I doing?
 Rewards – benefits of instruction
 Interest – directly related to benefits
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Retention
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Original learning = engagement
KASH Formula
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Knowledge
Attitude
Skills
Habits
Transference
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Association – build on something they
already know.
Original learning – if original learning is
high then…
Knowing a Little More About
Adults…
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What can we do to improve our
courses and training?
What if a Conflict Develops?
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What actions should we avoid
doing?…prevent throwing gas on the fire
What are tricks to neutralizing the
conflict?
Conflict Management Errors
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Insensitive language
Raised voice
Demeaning terms
Dictating Answers
Challenging others
Blaming remarks
DO NOT INVITE MORE CONFLICT WITH YOUR ACTIONS
Recognizing and Solving Conflict
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Recognize your own emotional reactions,
both verbal and non-verbal
Substitute your negative behavior with
more neutral behaviors
Separate the person from the problem
Focus on the facts, respect the person
Look for points of similarity
Conflict Management Pros
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Allow others to dispel their negative
emotion, do not stunt them
Make eye contact, nod, ask clarifying
questions
Restate their position to show you have
listened and understand
Ask guided questions
Ask open-ended questions
Conclusion
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End everything with a show of
appreciation
Appreciate the resolution 