COMPONENT 2

1. Principles of Adult Learning
2. Additional Information for presenting the workshop - hints for trainers

Component 2 consists of principles of adult learning and hints for presenting a workshop. This section has been designed for new presenters or trainers.

PRINCIPLES OF ADULT LEARNING

When working with adults, remember that they:

• Need to be respected for who they are and what they do; and
• Can utilize their own experiences in learning.

Encourage learning by:

• Exposing participants to new possibilities;
• Encouraging discussion;
• Presenting information in a variety of ways;
• Being honest about the opinions, values and bias of your own input;
• Helping participants see where their experiences fit in;
• Letting participants relate the information to their own situations;
• Providing feedback for the participants; and
• Using new insights to make changes.
  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR PRESENTING THE WORKSHOP

HINTS FOR TRAINERS - Organizational checklist.

Before the Workshop:

• Ensure overheads are photocopied onto transparencies;
• Ensure sufficient handouts, checklists and trainee notes are photocopied;
• Check that employees know the location, date, start and finish time for the workshop;
• Check venue availability;
• Check the provision of seating and room set-up;
• Check equipment is in working order; and
• Check refreshments are available (if required).

During the Workshop:

• Maintain eye contact with the participants;
• Avoid barriers, such as tables, between yourself and the participants;
• Make sure you speak audibly and clearly;
• Use a friendly tone of voice;
• Use simple, direct words, avoiding jargon and abbreviations where possible; and
• Relax and breathe deeply.

Maintain the interest of participants by:

Involvement

Use participants' experience and expertise to provide examples of points you are trying to make.

Feedback.

Check participants' understanding, attitude and feeling towards the presentation. Modify your approaches if needed.

Questions.

Vary your questions, directing them to the group as a whole, or to particular individuals.

Evaluation.

Provide time at the end of the workshop for participants to comment on what they have learned.

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