International
Women In Science and Engineering
IWISE
Principles of Adult Education
HOME : Training Modules: Distance Education: Introduction to Adult Education
Principles of Adult Education:
Whatever mixture of reasons may motivate someone to pursue education and training, effective programs must be directed at adults in a manner that will be useful to their needs and interests. If they are disappointed, they will stop attending. Effective adult education programs:
- Are based on the needs of the participants and make use of their different experiences,
- Seek the participation of individual adults, groups and communities in decision-making at all levels of the learning process; including determination of needs, curriculum development, program implementation and evaluation,
- Use course activities that are practical and problem centered,
- Engage participants in the learning process through an interactive approach,
- Incorporate learners’ goals in the activities,
- Use discussion and group activities to help create a supportive educational environment,
- Demonstrate practical applications of the skills and knowledge gained,
- Use logic and sequence of class activities should reinforce lessons learned,
- Demonstrate how the material and concepts learned fit together as a package,
- Allow for self-appraisal opportunities, use of skills learned, and evaluation/feedback to the instructor.
IWISE Homepage