A hundred years ago the word “education” may have conjured up images of chalk and slate in school-houses, or strict nuns rapping students on their knuckles. It was a different world.
Just a few years ago, the phrases “employee coaching” or “learning and development” may have conjured up now almost equally antiquated learning techniques for adults: classrooms or conference rooms packed with employees being lectured at with the assistance of Powerpoint or Post-it notes.
Employee development has evolved significantly in just a few years. Embracing theories of adult learning and the flexibility provided by technology and the cloud— organizations have been able to optimize how learners learn at work. We are now incorporating new concepts like micro-learning, flex-learning, and self-directed learning into our every-day coaching vocabulary.
It is as distant from Powerpoints and Post-its as the knuckle-rapping and chalkboards are.
But despite these advances, many organizations have not yet evolved with technology and learning theory. Has yours?
Here are five things you should know about how adult learners—your employees and coachees—will thrive best in today’s organizations.
- The type of material that is being learned
- The format in which the information is being presented
- The repetition of the information over time
- The learner’s prior knowledge and context
- The learner’s motivation to learn
- The learner’s cognitive ability
- The power of the learning methods and technology used
- The opportunity for the learner to apply the knowledge gained
Individuals also learn in different ways. For example, you may be a more visual, auditory, or kinesthetic (touch based) learner. You may be someone who learns best in a social environment—interacting with peers— or someone who prefers to learn alone. So, it is important to create many different ways for your coachees and employees to access the information you want them to absorb—according to their own preference.
Want to learn more about the different theories of adult learning and how you can best meet the needs of learners on your team or in your organization?
Look for our new eGuide: Adult Learning 101: Basics Every Coach & Manager Should Know About How Your Employees Learn coming to you soon!