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HOW TO BECOME AN EFFECTIVE ADULT LEARNING INSTRUCTOR

Most instructors come to class very prepared with knowledge and teaching material. However, adult teaching require more than that. Adults are usually self directed individuals who are free to direct themselves in the real world. Throughout their life, they have adapted to that self-directed attitude and as an Adult Instructor you must be very aware of that.

For adult learners, teachers must do more than supply participants with facts; they must function as facilitators that guide and direct participants into learning new skills:

* Adult learners come with set goals. The instructor's role is to assist them and guide them to reach these goals.
* Adult learners come with years of experience and a wealth of knowledge. Instructors are to relate course theories and concepts to the participants' experiences and draw out from them some experiences that are relevant to the course topics.
* Adult learners come motivated to learn. Instructors are to assist them to stay motivated and focused throughout the course.
* Adult learners are practical. Instructors must focus on the aspects of the lesson that are relevant to their work.
* Adult learners may come tired after a long day of work. Instructors must keep them challenged with new material and illustrations. After each lesson, allow them the time to apply what they have learned and clarify any ambiguities.

For Instructors to be effective in their role they must be aware of what motivates participants to join adult learning and focus on retaining these motivational factors:

* Workforce changing demands: they want to keep up with workforce expectations.
* Self-enhancement: this gives them higher chances to find a better job or get a promotion at work.
* Learn for the sake of learning: seeking to gain knowledge in a certain area or field of expertise.
* Competence: They may be in need for a license to step into a career change or get an endorsement at work.
* Network and make new contacts

For Instructors to be effective in their role they must understand the barriers that prevent participants from perusing adult learning and support them as they try to overcome their barriers.

* Lack of self-confidence: they are afraid if they go back to a structured training environment they will not succeed.
* Lack of time: they are busy with home and work responsibilities.
* Not enough knowledge about adult learning opportunities and programs.
* Problems with childcare or eldercare.
* Lack of transportation means.

Instructors have a major role in determining the effectiveness of the critical elements of adult learning.

* To Motivate and Inspire: Instructors must provide a friendly atmosphere so adult learners can feel confident that the environment is open for new learners.
* To Reinforce and Strengthen: Instructors must use positive reinforcement to boost self-confidence in participants.
* To Retain and Hoard: Instructors must focus not only on theories, but also on application as in doing both participants will have a higher chance to retain the knowledge relayed to them.
* To Allocate and Utilize: Instructors can give examples and illustrate how to assign the presented knowledge in different work related settings.

Learn more about this author, Grace Kusta-Nasralla.
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