The eight imperatives of effective adult learning

Abstract

Purpose – Advances the view that those responsible for leading adult learning and performance improvement needs to take into account how adults truly learn. Design/methodology/approach – Lays out eight imperatives – based on the authors' research and experience with adult learners – which must be taken into consideration when designing, implementing and assessing adult-learning experiences in the modern workplace. Findings – Lists these imperatives as: relevance, importance and utility are paramount; hubris and ego can roadblock learning; the credibility of the information source is important; never underestimate the importance of clear learning objectives; adults learn by engagement and doing; accountability for learning is critical; adult learners need coaching and feedback; and plan to stave off learning distractions. Practical implications – Aims to get trainers to think through the specific things that can help to increase and accelerate learning across the spectrum of adult-learning opportunities in the modern workplace. Originality/value – Claims that, when leaders incorporate these imperatives in their learning initiatives, learning is more productive and the likelihood of a good return-on-investment rises. When these imperatives are ignored or not taken seriously, time, talent and treasure are wasted and leaders risk damaging their own credibility.