Adult Learning and Coaching

Video Transcription

Hi. My name is Ashley, and today's lesson is titled "Adult Learning and Coaching." In today's lesson, we'll look at the tips for teaching and coaching adults. Malcolm Knowles, a forerunner, and andragogy, the study of adult learning, explains how teaching adults is much different from teaching students in the K through 12 classroom. He constructed five principles of adult learning, which we'll look at today.

These tips may serve for coaches who are working with teachers. Let's go ahead and begin. When working with adult learners, coaches should provide the rationale for learning. Adults learn best when they understand the reason or the purpose of the instruction. Coaches should explicitly state the reason why the adult learner's being taught the information.

Another tip suggested by Knowles is adults should have the freedom to choose how they learn and whom they want to work with. Adult learners have different learning styles, just like students in the K through 12 classroom. Based on their learning style, a coach can help customize suggestions and feedback best suited for the teacher's learning style.

Adult learners should have the opportunity to experience learning. This is something all coaches should do. Learning should be an engaging process. And through experimentation and modeling, the teacher will learn more effectively. A coach may even try new instructional strategies beforehand, prior to teaching it.

With instructional coaching, authentic relationships are most effective. What does this mean? Well, at my school, we have a math coach. The math coach's job is to assess teachers when needed. An authentic relationship would take place if I willingly approached my math coach and asked for assistance after realizing I was having some difficulties with my instruction.

This is more effective, opposed to being assigned to a coach by an administrator. By me approaching my math coach on my own, I am agreeing that I need support, and I'm willing to receive it. Teachers should have the ability to seek help on their own. Lastly, Knowles suggests when a positive experience is established, adult learners learn best.

The coach's job is to provide assistance and support to the teacher. An effective coach is not only helpful but also encouraging. Teachers are more likely to seek out coaching when it's a positive experience. I love having my math coach, Lynn, at my school. Sometimes I feel like she's my own personal coach because she's so helpful, and we brainstorm so much together. And I leave feeling so confident after our conversations.

In today's lesson, we reviewed Malcolm Knowles' tips for teaching and coaching adults. According to Knowles, adults should understand the rationale for learning. They should be given freedom to learn in the way that is best for them. Adults should also be able to experience learning and decide when to seek assistance if needed.

Lastly, teachers are more likely to continue with coaching if they experience is positive. Think about how you learn best, then apply that to teaching adults, in addition to what was reviewed today. As you reflect on how this new information can be applied, you may want to explore the additional resources section that accompanies this video presentation. This is where you'll find links to resources chosen to help you deepen your learning and explore ways to apply your newly acquired skill set.