Understanding the dynamics of adult learning

Adults learn differently from younger audiences and children. They come with a wealth of prior knowledge and life experiences, which must be taken into account to ensure engagement and to impart new knowledge successfully. This is especially true of financial literacy among marginalised South Africans where literacy and numeracy levels are often a concern.

The ASISA Foundation’s WageWise* programme for workers has a proven track record of getting this right. Results from a recent impact study midline report show that the programme effectively transfers knowledge and skills to participants, leading to positive changes in responsible financial behaviour, which participants continue to implement years after attending the workshops.

“The results from this report were truly refreshing,” says Coco Cachalia, CEO and founder of Grounded Media, an implementing partner of the ASISA Foundation for more than 10 years. “We now had proof that we’re heading in the right direction.”

Coco has decades of experience in the adult learning space in South Africa. Grounded Media has been collaborating with the Foundation for many years, crafting adult learning programmes, focusing on strategy and methodology, content, advocacy, logistics, running workshops and learning journeys with expert facilitators.

How adults learn

“For successful adult learning to take place, one must understand your audience’s context, consider their history and ‘read’ them well. Building trust is crucial, especially in financial education. If you don’t gain a person’s trust, it’s going to be a barrier from the start. And only an experienced facilitator can do this; our facilitators are our biggest differentiator,” Coco says.

Grounded Media’s facilitators are well-versed in the latest adult-based teaching methodologies with most of them having been with the company since the early 2000s. “When we plan workshops, we select facilitators from the area where it will take place. This means they understand the environment and the audience’s culture intimately, they know the struggles of that community, but most of all, they can speak the local language. Learning across the world has shown us that people learn concepts better in their first language,” Coco says.

This makes it easier for the trainer to build trust with participants. Financial concepts are easier to understand when explained in the home language. “Our workshops are interactive and practical. The facilitator draws from the audience’s life experiences, making the learning relevant to their circumstances. This means participants have a personal interest in learning new skills because they understand how it can improve their lives.”

Apart from accessible, well-structured learning material in plain language, facilitators use various teaching methodologies like storytelling and real-life examples. They use mediums like video, cue cards, various props, industrial theatre, breakaway sessions and practical exercises. They create several opportunities to keep workshops interactive and create an atmosphere of trust where participants feel confident enough to share their viewpoints and ask questions. “Sharing experiences with each other forms an integral part of successful adult learning,” Coco explains.

Doing it right

“Adult learning fails when trainers preach rather than teach, and when they don’t make the effort to understand their audience. A good facilitator reads the audience well, pitches the content right and can hold the group together for a few hours. That only happens when participants trust the facilitator. And that’s our strength.”

• For further details on WageWise’s extensive impact evaluation spanning over more two years, read this article. It explores how the programme’s adult financial education approach leads to lasting, positive changes in participants’ financial management practices.
• To contribute to the positive impact of WageWise on more individuals’ lives, contact programme manager Janete Nel at [email protected] or click here to find out more.

?* The Sanlam Foundation is the primary funder of the WageWise programme.

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Janete Nel Namarsha Singh Koovi Moodley Ivor Nkanyiso Msimang Helena Gavera Sibusiso Sagoda Francois AdriaanGrounded Media John Manyike Association for Savings & Investment South Africa (ASISA) ASISA Academy Marana Brand Smart About Money Laura du Preez, CFP? Busisa Jiya Ingrid Goodspeed Tebello Radebe Killy Bacela CM (SA)Rodger Walters Seipati Nekhondela Ramostshudi Isaac Ramputa Western Cape Government Sanlam The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme Foundation NPC (ISFAP) Ninety One Financial Intermediaries Association of Southern Africa (FIA) Kamva Capital Bureau of Market Research (Pty) Ltd Jenny Gage Chantal Morifi Coco Cachalia Daphney Sibongile Neke Hallid Smith Ruth Benjamin-Swales Alyna Wyatt The Hope Factory Absa Jacolize Meiring Carel Van Aardt Atleha-Edu Ninety One

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