Library Home

Sample Lesson Plan

“Learning with Adult Volunteers”

Teleconference In-service
November 2003   
Marilyn Lesmeister, PhD
State Volunteer Development Specialist

Introduction

Before we introduce ourselves, use the card/paper on the table to write your response to two questions:

a)      Describe the worst learning experience you have ever had? 

b)      Why was it a bad experience?

  Return to top of page

Message

Many of your experiences reflect the concepts that we all need to remember when we are asking other adults to learn….Even your bad experiences provide a “teachable moment” because those are the types of situations, we, as educators, want to plan to avoid!

Your introductory comments already have reinforced several characteristics of adult learners. Let’s review those 6 important learning characteristics.

    Return to top of page

Message with Visual / Handout

Characteristics of Adult Learners

• Broad base of experience to draw from and share

• Many other things going on in their lives

• Face barriers to learning (unlearning); unrealistic goals; poor self-image; diminished physical abilities. (Discussion: Ask participants to give examples of unlearning. Then ask for examples that represent unrealistic goals.) 

• Adults do not want to risk failure. (Brainstorm examples.)

• Want relevant information to apply immediately. 

• Presented through various methods and sensory experiences.

Message with Visual / Handout

How Do People Learn? (learning is 90% effective when the adult is involved) So plan to use multiple methods during every learning situation.

Message

Adults learn best when these adult learning characteristics are considered and respected. So as you plan to use a variety of methods during every workshop or meeting, consider:

• A variety of teaching methods are used and difference sensory experiences are used during the learning time. (Brainstorm ideas) ESP. ACTIVE PARTICIPATION – I am modeling this method. As you think and speak, listen to your peers, you are reflecting and internalizing the material…vs. listening to me lecture and thinking that I sound like your aunt Matilda!
  
• They are invited to share experiences and thoughts with other learners
  .
• They are invited to stretch their skills – but not purposefully placed in an embarrassing, or risky situation.

Activity / Handout

Using the multi-page list of Teaching/Learning Strategies, assign participants each method.

Instructions to small groups: “Read about the strategies assigned to you and think about how you would use that method effectively with adult learners. In about 7 minutes, each small group will describe their strategy to the larger group and share their ideas.”

Message / Discussion

So how do you deal with volunteer questions – especially when you are new and don’t know all the answers! (Invite input.) Or when you are dealing with a new topic, or new policy….

Visuals / Handouts

Dealing with Learner Questions: You don’t have to have all the answers!

Adults are Problem-Solvers

Summary / Handout

Do you have questions or ideas to share?

We have reviewed these adult learning concepts quickly and applied some methods to teaching and learning. As we conclude, I would like you to share a thought about what you learned today. Using the list of quotes, Adult Learners as Volunteers choose (assign quotes 1-6 to the first row; etc.) a quote that represents something you have learned. Take a minute to think about that and then we can share.

Thank you for coming today and sharing your experiences.

  Return to top of page