Reflection: Applying Adult Learning Theory to Clinical Teaching

Principle 1:  Motivation

Adults are motivated to put time and energy into learning something new if they understand the benefit of learning new material or skills.

Principle 2:  Activate Experience

Adults bring a lifetime of past experiences to every learning encounter, which serve as a resource for themselves and for other learners.

Principle 3:  Application

Adults need to apply new knowledge/skills soon after being introduced to it – especially to solve problems they face at work and in their everyday lives.

Principle 4:  Feedback Seeking

Adults seek feedback on their learning to help identify gaps in their knowledge and skills and to set goals on how to improve their performance.

Principle 5:  Control of Learning

Adults learn best when they have a say in what and how they will learn and are offered a selection of experiences that address their own interests and needs.