Refresher Training for Frontline Health Workers in Expanded ... - RHO

Flip Chart 2
A. Difference between Ault and Child Learning
Self-concept: children see themselves as dependant whereas adults see
themselves as autonomous beings, capable of self direction. The relationship
between learner and teacher is necessarily altered.
Experience: children have few life experiences to bring to new learning activities
while adults bring their previous life experiences. To deny or ignore their experience
would constraint learning.
Readiness to learn: children are viewed as gathering information and social skills in
their schooling process which are prescribed by an external agent. Adult learners
want to decide what and how they will learn based on their present social situation
and the problem they face.
Time perspective: children learn for the future, not for the present. Adults have
problem-centered time perspective and from this come their desire to become better
problem-solvers today.
B. Principles of Adult Learning when Training
Adults learn differently from children since they have a lot of experience they gained
through a life time experience. Facilitators should bear in mind the following issues
while planning to train adults.
• Adults tend to be highly motivated to learn when they are solving
immediate personal or work related problems.
• Adults want to apply what they learn, often immediately.
• Adults want to preserve or even enhance their self-esteem.
• Adults are concerned with details. Even minor points have to be consistent
with prior learning.
• Adults dislike sitting passively for long periods.
• Adults have trouble accepting information that contradicts or conflicts with
their values and beliefs.
• Adults have acquired a wealth of information from their own life
experience.
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