Opportunities for REAL Training

If you are a trainer or developer of training and educational programs for adults you know how difficult it can be to reach your audience. Successful adult learning programs will provide learning processes that require active involvement from the adult student. Try having the students try out new ideas where the learning activities and experiences support facts and theory. Here are some suggested opportunities for real learning and training:

1. Problem solving
2. Practice of judgement skills
3. Reflection and inquiry
4. Intuitive reasoning
5. Interactive questioning
6. Learning and practicing critical thinking skills
7. Meaningful exploration
8. Understanding of relationships through the use of metaphors and case studies
9. Exploration of questions re: values and feelings
10. Exploration of relationship between the student and others.

Incorporate as many of these opportunities listed above into the design and structure of your program and observe the results. You may be surprised at how the level of learning increases and the student's satisfaction with the program is enhanced.