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Leigh Faulkner

The course is designed to help you to become a successful facilitator of adult learning groups. You’ll examine the ways learners in the same group can be different, having a variety of particular characteristics and needs that the successful facilitator must take into account. You’ll learn about the power of collaborative learning, problem-based instruction, and formative assessment. And, of great importance, you’ll learn about the role of the facilitator and what makes a facilitator successful.

Course Objectives

You will be able to identify factors that contribute to learner diversity.

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The course is designed to help you to become a successful facilitator of adult learning groups. You’ll examine the ways learners in the same group can be different, having a variety of particular characteristics and needs that the successful facilitator must take into account. You’ll learn about the power of collaborative learning, problem-based instruction, and formative assessment. And, of great importance, you’ll learn about the role of the facilitator and what makes a facilitator successful.

Course Objectives

You will be able to identify factors that contribute to learner diversity.

You will understand the special characteristics and needs of adult learners.

You will learn what constitutes effective collaborative learning.

You will understand the features of effective group structure and dynamics.

You will learn what makes collaborative tasks effective.

You will learn the features of effective assessment with adult learners.

Do you have responsibility for instruction at your workplace or in a community continuing education group? Are you a program developer who wants to move into face-to-face instruction? Understanding adult learning theory and the principles of adult education, as well as the unique characteristics and needs of adult learners, will prepare you to meet your course goals and the broader social goals that are part of any adult learning program. This course can prepare you to achieve your goals and the goals of your adult learners.

No teacher training is necessary for you to benefit from this course, but you need a strong desire to learn and a willingness to practice what you learn.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Check your understanding of concepts from Lectures 10 and 11.

Course Objectives

This lecture presents the six main objectives of the course.

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Learner Diversity

This lecture presents the two main objectives of Section 1.

This lecture looks at what comprises a multilevel classroom.

This lecture looks at a variety of ways that learners can differ.

Check your understanding of concepts from Lectures 3 and 4.

Characteristics and Needs of Adult Learners

This lecture presents the three main objectives of Section 2.

This lecture looks at six principles that are key to successful adult education.

This lecture examines a wide range of characteristics of adult learners that will influence educational experience.

This lecture examines a wide range of needs of adult learners that will influence educational experience.

Check your understanding of concepts from Lectures 6, 7, and 8.

Features of Effective Collaborative Learning

This lecture presents the three main objectives of Section 3.

This lecture introduces the concept of “collaborative learning.”

This lecture further examines the nature of collaborative learning.

This lecture relates collaborative learning to the principles of adult education and to the characteristics and needs of adult learners.

Effective Group Structure and Dynamics

This lecture presents the six main objectives of Section 4

This lecture presents the competencies, characteristics, and facilitative behaviours of the successful adult education instructor.

This lecture looks at the special role of the adult learner in a collaborative learning environment.

This lecture makes a case for collaborative goal setting in the adult learning environment.

This lecture suggests some methods of effective team building in the collaborative learning situation.

This lecture presents characteristics of empathic listening and a model for implementing the technique.

This lecture explains and promotes the idea that effective feedback in the adult learning situation can be approached as a conversation.

Check your understanding of concepts from Lectures 14 to 19.

Effective Collaborative Tasks

This lecture presents the two main objectives of Section 5.

This lecture explains and promotes the use of problem-based learning in the adult learning situation.

This lecture presents several types of collaborative learning tasks, along with specific examples.

Check your understanding of concepts from Lectures 21 and 22.

Formative Assessment

This lecture presents the three main objectives of Section 6.

This lecture provides an introduction to the important differences between summative and formative assessment.

This lecture makes the case that formative assessment can be a constructive process for use with adult learners.

This lecture makes the point that a very important link exists between the formative assessment process used in the learning situation and the life of the adult at home and in the community.

Check your understanding of concepts from Lectures 24, 25, and 26.

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Successful Facilitation of Adult Learning Groups with these activities:
Review 'Adult Learning: Linking Theory and Practice'
Familiarize yourself with established adult learning theories to better understand the foundations of effective facilitation.
View Adult Learning on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the chapters on learning theories.
  • Reflect on how these theories apply to group facilitation.
Review Group Dynamics Concepts
Refresh your understanding of group dynamics to better manage and facilitate group interactions.
Browse courses on Group Dynamics
Show steps
  • Review notes on group dynamics.
  • Research key concepts like group roles and conflict resolution.
  • Consider how these concepts relate to adult learning groups.
Develop a Facilitation Style Self-Assessment
Reflect on your current facilitation style and identify areas for improvement based on course concepts.
Show steps
  • Identify key characteristics of different facilitation styles.
  • Create a self-assessment questionnaire.
  • Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses.
  • Set goals for developing your facilitation skills.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Facilitation Techniques with Peers
Gain practical experience by practicing facilitation techniques and receiving feedback from peers.
Show steps
  • Organize a peer practice session.
  • Prepare a short facilitation scenario.
  • Facilitate the scenario and receive feedback.
  • Provide constructive feedback to your peers.
Create a Facilitation Skills Checklist
Develop a practical tool for evaluating and improving your facilitation skills in real-world settings.
Show steps
  • Identify key facilitation skills.
  • Create a checklist with observable behaviors.
  • Pilot test the checklist in a practice session.
  • Refine the checklist based on feedback.
Design a Collaborative Learning Activity
Apply course concepts by designing a collaborative learning activity tailored to adult learners.
Show steps
  • Identify a learning objective.
  • Select a suitable collaborative learning task.
  • Develop clear instructions and guidelines.
  • Plan for assessment and feedback.
Review 'The Art of Facilitation'
Explore advanced facilitation techniques and strategies to enhance your ability to guide and support adult learning groups.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the chapters on advanced facilitation techniques.
  • Reflect on how these techniques can be applied in your own practice.

Career center

Learners who complete Successful Facilitation of Adult Learning Groups will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Training Manager
A training manager oversees and coordinates all training and development programs within an organization. This role involves assessing training needs, designing and delivering training programs, and evaluating their effectiveness. This course will benefit a training manager because it examines the ways learners in the same group can be different, having a variety of particular characteristics and needs that the successful facilitator must take into account. Understanding collaborative learning, problem based instruction, and formative assessment equips the training manager with tools to enhance training programs. The course’s emphasis on understanding adult learning theories and principles directly helps a training manager create more impactful and engaging training experiences.
Corporate Trainer
A corporate trainer designs, develops, and delivers training programs to employees within a company. The goal is to improve employee skills and knowledge, enhancing performance and productivity. This course will benefit a corporate trainer because it emphasizes the role of the facilitator and provides insights into what makes a facilitator successful. The course’s focus on collaborative learning and effective group dynamics directly supports a corporate trainer in creating engaging and impactful training sessions. Understanding adult learning theories and the principles of adult education, which is part of this course, prepare the corporate trainer to meet course goals and the broader social goals that are part of any adult learning program.
Training Specialist
A training specialist supports the design, development, and delivery of training programs. This role involves creating training materials, facilitating training sessions, and evaluating training effectiveness. This course will benefit a training specialist because it examines the ways learners in the same group can be different, having a variety of particular characteristics and needs that the successful facilitator must take into account. Understanding collaborative learning, problem-based instruction, and formative assessment equips the training specialist with tools to enhance training programs. Additionally, this course will teach the role of the facilitator and what makes a facilitator successful.
Staff Development Specialist
A staff development specialist plans and conducts programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of employees within an organization. This role involves assessing training needs, designing workshops, and evaluating program effectiveness. This course will benefit a staff development specialist because it examines the ways learners in the same group can be different, having a variety of particular characteristics and needs that the successful facilitator must take into account. The specialist can draw from the course's content on collaborative learning and formative assessment to create programs that meet the diverse needs of adult learners.
Instructional Designer
An instructional designer creates learning materials and experiences, often using technology, to help people learn more effectively. This role involves analyzing learning needs, designing courses, and developing multimedia content. This course will benefit an instructional designer as it covers the principles of adult education, as well as the unique characteristics and needs of adult learners, which will prepare an instructional designer to meet their course goals and the broader social goals that are part of any adult learning program. The course's exploration of collaborative learning, problem-based instruction, and formative assessment provides valuable insights for designing engaging and effective learning experiences.
Education Program Manager
An education program manager oversees and coordinates educational programs, ensuring they meet specified goals and objectives. This role involves program planning, implementation, and evaluation. This course will benefit an education program manager because it helps learners to become successful facilitators of adult learning groups. The education program manager will examine the ways learners in the same group can be different, having a variety of particular characteristics and needs that the successful facilitator must take into account. This knowledge is essential for tailoring programs to the unique needs of adult learners and promoting effective learning outcomes.
Community Education Director
A community education director oversees and manages educational programs and services within a local community, often focusing on adult education, recreation, and lifelong learning initiatives. This role involves program development, outreach, and community engagement. This course will benefit a community education director because it emphasizes understanding adult learning theory and the principles of adult education, as well as the unique characteristics and needs of adult learners, which will prepare adults to meet their course goals and the broader social goals that are part of any adult learning program. The course's coverage of effective group structure and dynamics directly applies to building strong community learning programs.
Education Consultant
An education consultant provides expertise and guidance to schools, organizations, or individuals on matters related to education and training. This may include curriculum development, instructional strategies, or program evaluation. This course will benefit an education consultant because its focus on understanding adult learning theory and the principles of adult education, as well as the unique characteristics and needs of adult learners, will help the consultant prepare adults to meet their course goals and the broader social goals that are part of any adult learning program. The consultant can leverage the course's insights into collaborative learning and formative assessment to recommend effective teaching strategies.
Adult Education Teacher
An adult education teacher provides instruction to adult learners in a variety of settings, such as community centers, vocational schools, or literacy programs. This role involves creating lesson plans, delivering instruction, and assessing student progress. This course may be useful for an adult education teacher because the course is designed to help you to become a successful facilitator of adult learning groups. You’ll examine the ways learners in the same group can be different, having a variety of particular characteristics and needs that the successful facilitator must take into account. Understanding collaborative learning, problem based instruction, and formative assessment equips the adult education teacher with tools to enhance training programs.
eLearning Developer
An eLearning developer designs and creates online courses and training programs using various multimedia tools and technologies. This role involves creating engaging and interactive learning experiences. This course will benefit an eLearning developer because it explores factors that contribute to learner diversity and examines the special characteristics and needs of adult learners. The eLearning developer can apply the course's principles of collaborative learning and formative assessment to create effective online learning environments. The developer can leverage their understanding of adult learning principles to design courses with greater impact.
Higher Education Administrator
A higher education administrator manages and oversees various aspects of a college or university, such as student services, academic programs, or institutional operations. This role often involves strategic planning, policy development, and resource management. This course will benefit a higher education administrator because it fosters understanding of the special characteristics and needs of adult learners, which is crucial for designing effective programs and services. The administrator can apply the knowledge gained from this course to create more engaging and inclusive learning environments. The course's exploration of collaborative learning tasks equips the higher education administrator with insight.
Literacy Coordinator
A literacy coordinator develops and implements literacy programs for adults and children, often working with community organizations and schools. This role involves assessing literacy needs, training tutors, and evaluating program effectiveness. This course may be useful for a literacy coordinator because it emphasizes understanding adult learning theory and the principles of adult education, as well as the unique characteristics and needs of adult learners. The course will prepare them to meet their course goals and the broader social goals that are part of any adult learning program. The coordinator can apply the course's strategies for collaborative learning to create engaging and effective literacy initiatives.
Curriculum Developer
A curriculum developer is responsible for designing and creating educational curricula for various subjects and age groups. This role involves researching best practices, developing learning objectives, and creating lesson plans. This course may be useful for a curriculum developer because the course is designed to help you to become a successful facilitator of adult learning groups. Understanding the special characteristics and needs of adult learners, as emphasized in the course, informs the development of appropriate and effective educational materials. This course will benefit the curriculum developer through its focus on understanding adult learning theories and principles.
Academic Advisor
An academic advisor provides guidance and support to students on academic matters, such as course selection, degree requirements, and career planning. This role involves meeting with students, reviewing academic records, and providing resources and referrals. This course may be useful for an academic advisor as the course’s content on effective group structure and dynamics and the characteristics of empathic listening and a model will help the advisor guide students in developing effective study habits and collaborative learning strategies. The course's understanding of adult learning theory and principles may inform the advisor’s guidance to non traditional students.
Training Coordinator
A training coordinator organizes and manages training programs for employees, ensuring that training resources are available and that training schedules are effectively planned. This role involves coordinating logistics, tracking training progress, and communicating with trainers and trainees. This course will benefit a training coordinator, as it helps learners become successful facilitators of adult learning groups. They will examine the ways learners in the same group can be different, having a variety of particular characteristics and needs that the successful facilitator must take into account. Because this role involves communicating with trainers, understanding the material in this course will help the coordinator to do their job better.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Successful Facilitation of Adult Learning Groups.
Provides a comprehensive overview of adult learning theories and their practical applications. It's a valuable resource for understanding the principles that underpin successful facilitation of adult learning groups. The book helps bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering insights into how to effectively design and implement learning experiences for adults. It is commonly used as a textbook in adult education programs.
Offers practical guidance and techniques for effective facilitation. It covers a wide range of topics, including group dynamics, conflict resolution, and communication skills. It is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference. The book provides real-world examples and case studies to illustrate key concepts, making it a valuable resource for both novice and experienced facilitators.

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