Have you ever wondered why the same training methods that light up a classroom of kids might not get the same enthusiastic response from adults?It's not just that adults are older, they have fundamentally different ways of learning and engaging.This brings us into the fascinating world of andragogy. A term you might not be familiar with but definitely need to understand if you're in the business of coaching or training adults.The Birth of AndragogyThe term "andragogy" was popularized by educator Malcolm Knowles in the 1970s. He argued that adults learn differently because they bring a lifetime of experiences and habits to the table. Malcolm identified adult learning as a specific field of study within education, distinct from “pedagogy”, or the teaching of children.Why Can't We Treat Adults Like Big Kids?Consider this: adults bring years, sometimes decades, of professional and personal experiences into training sessions. This substantial 'background and baggage' not only makes them prime candidates for learning approaches that recognise and utilise their prior knowledge, but it also calls for strategies that sensitively manage their emotional learning journey.Unlike children, who typically view 'failure' simply as part of the learning process, a concept so natural that younger children might not even think of it as failure. Adults tend to be more self-critical of their mistakes. Consequently, they need a learning environment that goes beyond mere instruction to provide substantial support and security.This environment should encourage adults to express their thoughts, raise questions, and continue trying despite initial setbacks. Adult learners thrive in settings that provide robust support and foster a sense of safety, allowing them to engage fully and take risks without fear of judgment.When integrating elements of both andragogy and pedagogy, it's vital to consider these nuances. For instance, while gamification can invigorate learning sessions, it must be carefully tailored for adult audiences to prevent any feelings of condescension. By adapting these strategies to honor and cater to adult learners’ experiences and emotional needs, a training session can shift from being merely informative to becoming profoundly transformative.Key Differences in Training Adults vs. ChildrenAndragogy is about:<ul><li>Self-direction: Adults typically prefer to take charge of their learning, setting goals, choosing methods, and evaluating their progress. They want an expert guide by their side.</li><li>Relevance: Adult training needs to be relevant and applicable to their current professional or personal life. It needs to fit their needs. If it doesn’t, they participant will likely lose interest. That means training must often be more specialized and immediately applicable than what children receive.</li><li>Motivation: While children might learn because they're told to (or to get a gold star), adults need to be motivated by internal factors like personal growth, career advancement, or a desire for increased job satisfaction.</li><li>Patience and Respect: Adults expect to be treated with respect, including acknowledgment of their opinions and experiences. They might not tolerate a 'because I said so' attitude that can sometimes fly with kids.</li></ul>Here are a couple of example of the different approaches:Team Collaboration and Conflict ResolutionPedagogical Approach:<ul><li>Explain conflict resolution steps using a slideshow presentation. Provide definitions and examples of typical conflict scenarios in a workplace.</li><li>Conduct a quiz to assess understanding of the concepts covered and award gold stars to participants.</li></ul>Andragogical Approach:<ul><li>Encourage a group brainstorm to list common conflict scenarios in participants' workplaces.</li><li>Use a facilitated discussion to explore successful conflict resolution strategies that participants have experienced or witnessed, focusing on practical applications of these strategies.</li></ul>Presenting to StakeholdersPedagogical Approach:<ul><li>Provide a detailed breakdown of effective presentation techniques, such as use of visuals, structuring content, and engaging an audience.</li><li>Show a video of an effective presentation and dissect it to illustrate key points.</li></ul>Andragogical Approach:<ul><li>Invite participants to discuss elements of the most impactful presentations they have seen or delivered.</li><li>Organise a collaborative session to collectively build a checklist of effective presentation techniques, which participants can use to enhance their future presentations</li></ul>Of course, we can blend elements of andragogy and pedagogy effectively. It's all about discerning which approach best resonates with your audience. Take gamification, for example. While the fundamentals of gamification are highly effective with children, the same techniques can sometimes backfire when applied to adult learners.Adults might perceive them as patronizing or condescending, feeling as if they are being treated like children. Therefore, it's crucial to adapt gamification strategies in a way that respects and aligns with the mature context of adult learning, ensuring that these techniques enhance motivation rather than detract from it.Andragogy is About Connection and RespectAdults need to connect their learning to their personal and professional worlds, recognising the journey they have undertaken and feeling empowered as active partners in the learning process.By creating a secure and supportive environment, you help facilitate a space where adults can engage without fear, openly share their thoughts, and embrace risks as opportunities for growth. Understanding the principles of andragogy can profoundly transform how you engage with adult learners, making your sessions more effective, valued and transformative.So, the next time you're planning a training session for adults, remember to facilitate a rich and safe learning experience that not only acknowledges where each learner has come from but also supports where they aspire to go.<hr>Thanks for reading this far and for joining us on this journey.If this resonates with you why not <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.coachtrainingcampus.com/subscribe-for-updates">subscribe for updates </a>so you get new articles and insights straight to your inbox, and if you want to delve deeper, head over to our<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.coachtrainingcampus.com/campus?tab=course"> Campus</a> to download free content or join our amazing learning community.It’s time to create the breakthroughs you need to transform your expertise into the success story you were meant to live.#coaching #coaches #coachtraining #healers #consultants #practitioners

Ever wondered why methods that excite kids don’t work on adults? It’s not just about age. Welome to the world of andragogy, essential for anyone in adult coaching or training.

Are Your Training & Coaching Methods Truly Effective for Adult Learners?

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Are Your Training & Coaching Methods Truly Effective for Adult Learners?

Are Your Training & Coaching Methods Truly Effective for Adult Learners?

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