Level 1 Session Two

Adult LearnersLearning Theory

Learning StylesRole ModelingBest Practices

CRLA Success TipsExercises'

Adult Learners (Andragogy)

Core Adult Learning Principles according to Knowles:

1. Learners need to know: Why/What/How

2. Self-Concept of Learning: Autonomous/Self-Directed

3. Prior Experience of Learner: Resource/Mental models

4. Readiness to Learn: Life related/Developmental task

5. Orientation to Learning: Problem Centered/Contextual

6. Motivation to Learn: Intrinsic Value/Personal Payoff

Adult Learning Theory5 decades of research and theory

formulation basically= “Andragogy.”

Current Best Practices now recognizes 6 important assumptions about adult

learners:◦ They need to know why they should

learn new things◦ They have specific self-concepts of

learning◦ Their past experiences are very important

to their self-esteem ◦ They have the readiness to learn◦ They are generally very oriented to

learning◦ Most often they will have good motivation

for learning

Adult Learning Styles

Three most recognized Learning Styles:

Visual Auditory Kinesthetic

Kolb’s Learning InventoryWhat is your understanding of “how to

learn” based on Kolb’s learning inventories?

Kolb's learning styles

Reflective Observation

Watching

Concrete Experience

Feeling

Active Experimentation

Doing

Abstract Conceptualisation

Thinking

Processing Continuum

how we do things

Perc

epti

on C

onti

nuum

how

we

thin

k ab

out

thin

gs

Assimilating (think and watch)

AC/RO

Diverging (feel and watch)

CE/RO

Converging (think and do)

AC/AE

Accommodating (feel and do)

CE/AE

© concept david kolb, adaptation and design alan chapman 2005-06, based on Kolb's learning styles, 1984

Not to be sold or published. More free online training resources are at www.businessballs.com. Sole risk with user.

The Importance of Role Modeling

Ability to be flexible with learning styles

Help students learn how to learnGood communication of

expectationsDisciplined structured study

habitsOpen minded and an analytic

thinker

From CRLA TTH 2005, pg 38-43

Tutoring skills and Best PracticesBegin with, and include all of the

following:◦Listening skills◦Questioning ◦Wait time◦Using students information◦Positive reinforcement

Break Time

Listening SkillsListening Skills:

◦This action involves every part of you: Eyes, Ears, Arms, Hands and especially your Conscious Attention. Every part!!!!

◦Begin new material with a brief explanation of what is coming. Their expectation should have been established with your Goals/Objective sheet.

◦Conclude with a summary of what was covered.◦Question their comprehension.◦Use activities like brainstorming, verbal quizzing.◦Access your listening skills as they relate to what

your tutees are grasping from the content..

Questioning SkillsQuestioning:

◦Your ability to ask the right question and keep at it until you get the RIGHT answer is really important.

◦This may take different directions with different people. Your challenge is to read your people and figure out “how” they respond.

◦Good questioning will result in tutees contemplation and that leads to CT.

Wait TimingWait Time:

◦This function is so important. ◦Read your tutee and know when NOT

to rush your input or your interpretation.

◦They are learning the art of CT so give them the room to grow.

◦There is an old adage that says “timing is everything”. SO TRUE!!!

◦This is also one of the highest forms of respect and essential to your success.

Using Student InformationUsing students ideas:

◦In this slide we will discuss the important to your learners of using their ideas and you will be better able to see their relationship to learning.

◦Life styles◦Cultural Diversities

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement: At-a-boy’s are very important to learners.

This can not be stressed enough.

CRLA Tips for Success TIP #1

 

I think it is important for students to realize that there is always assistance available to them and they should not be afraid to ask for it. Whether it’s a college employee or a friend, it’s never a bad thing to accept a helping hand.

-Cadet Nathaniel Zand (VMI, Virginia Military Institute, and presenter at the 2009 CRLA Conference) 11/09

CRLA Tips for Success TIP #2

We all make mistakes when we write. In order to become a better proofreader, read your paper out loud. This will force you to slow down, and you will easily recognize your mistakes.

-Kiri Dunlap (University of South Carolina-Aiken, and presenter at the 2009 CRLA Conference) 11/09

CRLA Tips for Success TIP #4

Make sure your short term activities (how you spend your time) are matching your long term goals (what are you career plans after you graduate).

-Laura S. Heidel, Ph.D. (Learning Strategies Counselor, University of Houston) 12/09

Exercise One

For your very first “journal entry” type assignment, list 5 strengths and 5 weaknesses you believe you posses relating to your role as a tutor and explain why you consider them important.

Exercise Two

We discussed some of the learning techniques of Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic learners. List some of the skill tools you will use for each pattern of learning that will help them to both learn and retain the material.

Acknowledgements/CitationsKnowles, 2005, The Adult Learner: The definitive

Classic in Adult Education and Human Resources Development, Amsterdam

College Reading and Learning Association Tutor Training Handbook, 2003, Lenexas (CRLA TTH) pg. 16, 38-43, 205-207.

www.crla.org MacDonald, 2000, The Master Tutor: A Guidebook

for More Effective Tutoring MCC Student Handbook, Tutoring Handbook, Policy

and Procedures all on-line at www.Mohave.edu Bloom’s Taxonomy,

www.officeport.com.edu.blooms http:www.businessballs.com/kolblearningstyles.htm