Teaching Adults Effectively and Instructional Quality

In Continuing Education we put the focus on andragogy (the facilitation of learning for adults, who are self-directed learners). Adult learners are often spending their own time and money in order to increase their knowledge in a specific topic and want to get the most they can out of the time they spend in the classroom. They want up to date curriculum and instructors who have real world experience and who are engaging.

In my role I have been exposed to many different teaching styles. I have interviewed countless prospective contract instructors and each one is asked to present a 15 to 20 minute example of a lesson. There are many instructors who describe a poor teaching experience as an instructor who is simply reading off slides, or endlessly droning on about how knowledgeable they are in the topic. Then the candidate proceeds to do the exact thing they stated that were poor experiences when delivering their mock lesson. I have also had several instructors who gave phenomenal presentations.

The main difference is that the first stye (often referred to as the "talking head" or "sage on the stage" approach) is merely delivering information without engaging students, which often leads to passive learning and low retention. The second style is often someone who has followed the events of instruction approach and gets the most positive feedback from students and clients.

This "events of instruction" concept developed by educational psychologist Robert Gagné, is crucial for delivering quality teaching as it ensures a structured and effective learning experience.

The events of instruction provide a comprehensive framework that addresses various aspects of the learning process, making it more interactive and tailored to student needs. Gagné's nine instructional events guide educators in creating lessons that promote active engagement and deeper understanding. These events include gaining attention, informing learners of the objectives, stimulating recall of prior learning, presenting the content, providing learning guidance, eliciting performance, providing feedback, assessing performance, and enhancing retention and transfer.

1. Gaining Attention: This initial step captures students' interest, preparing them to focus on the lesson. Techniques like questioning or presenting a problem relevant to their experiences make the content more engaging.
2. Informing Learners of the Objectives: Clearly stating what students will learn and why it matters helps them understand the purpose of the lesson, increasing motivation and focus.
3. Stimulating Recall of Prior Learning: Connecting new information with existing knowledge helps students integrate and apply new concepts more effectively.
4. Presenting the Content: This involves using various instructional methods and media to cater to different learning styles, making the material accessible and understandable.
5. Providing Learning Guidance: Offering tips, strategies, and examples aids comprehension and application, guiding students through the learning process.
6. Eliciting Performance: Encouraging students to actively participate through activities and practice ensures they can apply what they've learned.
7. Providing Feedback: Constructive feedback helps students identify strengths and areas for improvement, promoting a growth mindset.
8. Assessing Performance: Evaluation through quizzes, tests, or discussions ensures students have grasped the material.
9. Enhancing Retention and Transfer: Techniques like summarization and review sessions help reinforce learning and facilitate the application of knowledge in different contexts.

By incorporating these events, educators move beyond simply delivering information, fostering a more interactive and effective learning environment that promotes long-term understanding and skill development.

Thoughts? What have been your experiences? What teaching style do you find to be most effective? I love hearing stories about the worst and best experiences you've had.