The Context
The context of learning is vast and varies. Teaching experiences and formal environments range from individual coaching, on-the-job training, small group development, international training sessions, and online courses. Learning environments allow learners to engage the resources available, engage their peers and leaders, and engage themselves to analyze, collaborate, critically think, and apply concepts to their context.
The learnerS
Learners take responsibility for participating in a learning environment by engaging resources, others, and themselves. Learners are invited to take action by analyzing materials, collaborating as appropriate with peers, and thinking critically. Essential learner actions include:
- Maintain a willing mindset to participate in the learning environment.
- Embody a personal responsibility and motivation to engage course materials.
- Broaden one’s perspective on the subject and industry.
- Prepare for the learning environment by completing all communicated assignments.
- Engage identified resources, peers, and the teacher as necessary for a robust learning experience.
- Collaborate with other learners to mutually support the learning processes.
- Be respectful, inclusive, and welcoming of all individuals within the learning environment.
The TeacherS/facilitatorS
The nature of teaching invites teachers/facilitators to cultivate a learning environment. Teachers/facilitators endeavor to create a safe environment where learners have the opportunity to engage resources, others, and themselves. Critical actions for successful teaching:
- Present relevant resources to broaden perspectives and provide real-world insights to learners.
- Provide mechanisms, tools, and devices for learners to leverage individual skills and interests.
- Facilitate interactions among the learners and resources.
- Evaluate the success of the identified learning objectives to improve future learning engagements.
- Communicate with learners the expected goals from the learning.
- Seek opportunities for professional growth to better serve learners in the future.
- Be respectful, inclusive, and welcoming of all individuals within the learning environment.
Teachers/facilitators must stay curious, continuously learn, and seek new understandings of the subject matter. Professional development is paramount in evolving perspectives, views, and standpoints. Further, this type of professional development is essential for teachers/facilitators to ensure they provide learners with the relevant insights for success.
THE Adult Learning Framework
In The Adult Learner (2015), Knowles, Holton, and Swanson provide the six aspects to the adult learning framework titled andragogy. This adult learning framework holds that learners need to:
- see why a concept is valuable to learn
- be self-directed to learn
- have relevant prior experience
- be ready to learn.
- be oriented to learn.
- have an internal motivation to learn
Understanding the andragogy framework is essential our philosophy on learning.
The Evaluation
Learners are invited to take responsibility, commit, and apply concepts and resources. A readiness to learn, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to applying concepts to real-world situations is essential in success.
Common evaluation prompts for our learners include:
- The learning material and resources will be helpful for my future success.
- What I learned in this learning experience will help me in my career.
- I feel confident about applying what I learned in my work context.
- I am committed to applying what I learned to my work.
- I took responsibility for being fully engaged during the learning experience.
- I expect positive results from this learning experience in my future career growth.
- I would be glad to help others with the insights I learned in this program.
Common evaluation prompts for our teaching experiences include:
- Taking this learning experience was a valuable use of my time.
- My learning was enhanced by the facilitator.
- I believe it will be worthwhile to apply what I learned in this learning experience to my work context.
- I will recommend this learning experience to my co-workers.
Common evaluation prompts for learner to program fit include:
- This learning experience provided information so that I may perform the skills I learned successfully.
- The information provided in this learning experience is applicable for my career aspirations.
- What I learned in this learning experience will help me in my career.
- The timing of this learning experience was appropriate for my career stage.