Produce an instructional plan…as though you are preparing this for a potential employer. Use the following scenario:
You have a job interview for your ideal context and position. The interviewing team has asked that you prepare an instructional plan proposal for the interview. They want to review your understanding of adult learners. Demonstrate what you know about meeting adult learners' diverse needs by creating a proposed plan that details your ideas for teaching them. Describe the kinds of activities and assignments you will have in your classroom and explain why (e.g., cite the literature to explain your approaches and choices in your originally designed instructional plan).
Plan includes 6-8 specific activities and assignment ideas with descriptions
Plan includes explanations, backed by the literature, for each activity or assignment idea
Plan demonstrates knowledge of adult learners
Full Answer Section
- Activity 2: Pre-assessment to assess learners' prior knowledge and skills on the topic.
- Activity 3: Lecture on the topic, with opportunities for learners to ask questions and clarify any confusion.
- Activity 4: Group discussion activity to allow learners to share their ideas and perspectives on the topic.
- Activity 5: Hands-on activity to give learners an opportunity to apply what they have learned.
- Activity 6: Post-assessment to assess learners' progress and mastery of the learning objectives.
Rationale:
The activities and assignments listed above are designed to meet the diverse needs of adult learners in the following ways:
- The icebreaker activity helps to create a positive and supportive learning environment, which is essential for adult learners.
- The pre-assessment allows the instructor to tailor the instruction to the needs of the learners.
- The lecture provides learners with a foundation of knowledge on the topic.
- The group discussion activity allows learners to share their ideas and perspectives, and to learn from each other.
- The hands-on activity gives learners an opportunity to apply what they have learned in a real-world setting.
- The post-assessment allows the instructor to assess learners' progress and mastery of the learning objectives.
Literature Support:
The following literature supports the use of the activities and assignments listed above for adult learners:
- Icebreaker activity: Knowles (1980) found that adult learners learn best in a supportive and collaborative environment. Icebreaker activities can help to create this type of environment.
- Pre-assessment: Merriam and Caffarella (1991) found that adult learners are motivated to learn when they feel that their prior knowledge and skills are respected. Pre-assessments can help learners to see how their prior knowledge and skills relate to the new material that they are learning.
- Lecture: Knowles (1980) found that adult learners prefer to learn by doing. However, lectures can be an effective way to provide learners with a foundation of knowledge on a topic.
- Group discussion activity: Brookfield (1986) found that adult learners learn best when they have an opportunity to interact with others and to share their ideas and perspectives. Group discussion activities can provide learners with this opportunity.
- Hands-on activity: Kolb (1984) found that adult learners learn best through experiential learning. Hands-on activities can provide learners with the opportunity to apply what they have learned in a real-world setting.
- Post-assessment: Merriam and Caffarella (1991) found that adult learners are motivated to learn when they feel that they are making progress. Post-assessments can help learners to see their progress and to identify any areas where they need additional support.
Conclusion:
The instructional plan proposal outlined above is designed to meet the diverse needs of adult learners. The activities and assignments are designed to be engaging and relevant to adult learners' lives, and to provide them with the opportunity to learn in a supportive and collaborative environment.
References:
- Brookfield, S. D. (1986). Understanding and facilitating adult learning: A comprehensive analysis of principles and effective practice. Jossey-Bass.
- Knowles, M. S. (1980). The modern practice of adult education: From pedagogy to andragogy. Follett Publishing Company.
- Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. Prentice-Hall.
- Merriam, S. B., & Caffarella, R. S. (1991). Learning in adulthood: A comprehensive guide. Jossey-Bass.
Additional Notes:
In addition to the activities and assignments listed above, I would also consider using the following strategies to meet the diverse needs of adult learners:
- Provide learners with choices in their learning. Adult learners are more likely to be motivated to learn when they have some control over their learning. I would provide learners with choices in terms of the activities and assignments that they complete, and the pace at which they learn.
- Make the learning relevant to adults' lives. Adult learners are more likely to be motivated to learn when