Open - HETI - NSW Government

The educational roleFacilitating the learning processThere are several approaches to learning that can occur within the context of supervision.Most people learn through a combination of deductive (learning through structure) and inductive (learning byexperience) approaches.When facilitating learning, it is important to consider principles of adult learning, different learning preferencesand a mix of modalities.Principles of adult learning• Adult learners need to be respected, valued andacknowledged for their past experienceand have an opportunity to apply this experienceto their current learning.• Adults learn best in environments that reduce possiblethreats to self-concept and self-esteem and providesupport for change and development.• Adult learners are highly motivated to learn in areasrelevant to their current needs, often generated by real lifetasks and problems.• Adult learners need feedback to develop.• Adult learners have a tendency towards self-directedlearning and learn best when they can set their own pace.• Adults learn more effectively through experientialtechniques (eg, discussion and problem solving). 1,2Voices fromthe fieldI try very hard to remain calm and coolthroughout the most challengingof experiences and feel that this attitudehelps my supervisees to gain confidencein themselves. Even if a supervisee isstruggling with a procedure or a concept,I try to find a positive in their abilitieswhen providing feedback.I have found over the years that eventhe most nervous supervisee can gainconfidence and develop sound clinical skillswith effective teaching.1 Brundage, D. & Mackeracher, D. (1980). Adult learning principles and their application to planning, Toronto, Ministry of Education of Ontario.2 Brookfield, S.(1998). Understanding and facilitating adult learning: a comprehensive analysis of principles and effective practices. Open University Press,Buckingham.36 HETI The Superguide FIRST EDITION