Adults Continue to Learn and Grow

The Regional Laboratory for Educational Improvement of the Northeast and Islands (1995) lists the following characteristics of effective learning experiences:

"Features of Effective Learning Experiences Summarized from the Literature

• Learners help plan the learning experience to fit their needs.

• New information is received through more than one of the five senses. Learners may read text, hear an explanation, view a demonstration, use materials.

• Learners process information in more than one context and in more than one way. They may write in journals; analyze case studies; role play; hold small group discussions; conduct interviews or present lessons; solve problems; use art, music or movement to express ideas; manipulate materials; construct objects, etc.

• Questions are thoughtfully and thoroughly discussed.

• Learners are encouraged to reflect, wonder, suppose, predict.

• New concepts and information are related to current knowledge and experience. Learners may connect the new with the old by drawing on previous experience to illustrate new ideas; by comparing/contrasting new knowledge with previous knowledge; by applying new strategies/skills to familiar situations; by constructing metaphors for new concepts, etc. Or new information may trigger a process--over time--of deconstructing previous knowledge. . . .

• The learning environment is collegial. Learners learn from one another. Ideas and perspectives reflect the ethnic and gender diversity of the learners. Learners value and welcome diverse viewpoints.

• Learners use new information over time, testing, comparing notes with other users, revising and refining understanding and practice.

• Learners have access, when needed, to support and feedback from those whose expertise they respect.

• Learners value what they are learning.

• Learners experience success."