Sofema Aviation Services has developed a bespoke Human Factors Training for Trainers Program. The program is suitable for both new Instructors as well as persons looking to update their personal skills and techniques.
The teaching of Adult “Learners” is quite different and requires specific techniques when compared to the process of teaching children. An additional challenge with adults is that they have an in built tendency to challenge. In addition Adults often have preconceived notions regarding what the training should consist off, therefore with such a preloaded expectation any deviation can provide even a negative experience.
Moreover it is typical to find that adults have previous (sometimes extensive) knowledge of the subject matter, an effective instructor will capitalize on this by asking questions and by recognizing that you can draw on this knowledge.
Effective HF training requires effective two way communication and it is essential to share the expected course outcomes, expectations and learning objectives.
When we consider the styles associated with adult learning we should understand that adults primarily learn through at least one of three general learning styles: visual, auditory and kinesthetic:
Visual: Learners rely on pictures, graphs, diagrams and illustrations.
Auditory: Learners listen carefully to all sounds associated with the learning. (usually this group is more participative)
Tactile or kinesthetic: Learners need to physically do something to understand it.
Important Note – Therefore optimized training will attempt to accommodate all learning styles.
All About Knowles Theory concerning adult learning techniques!
Professor Malcolm Knowles contributed to understanding regarding adult learning by establishing that:
a) Adults have a “need to know.” They must have a rationale for why they need to learn a body of content.
b) Adults come to the educational setting with more relevant experience.
c) Adults have a need to be involved in the decisions about their own learning.
d) Adults learn best when they see a direct relevance of the learning to their own lives.
e) Adults are better at learning content that is oriented towards solving problems.
f) Adults respond better to intrinsic motivation rather than extrinsic motivation.
Adults need to directly connect with the rationality of the training
a) What is being taught?
b) How will it be learnt?
c) Why is it important?
So we may consider that the “Why” related to the specific needs of the training takes on a major significance, moreover it “MUST” be addressed in an appropriate way if we are to be able to demonstrate to the adult delegates the immediate need to know something.
If we are successful they (Adult Delegates) are more motivated to learn. Adult’s benefit strongly when the subject matter is relevant interesting and practical. Instructors should use connected and focused learning activities, ask questions which generate a response and provide as many practical examples as possible.
For details of Human Factors Training for Trainers provided by Sofema Aviation Services please see www.sassofia.com or email office@sassofia.com
