6 Adult Learning Principles Worksheet.pdf
Early Intervention Adult Learning Principles and Strategies
Infographic: 6 Early Intervention Adult Learning Principles
6 Adult Learning Principles Every Early Interventionist Should Know
Reflection 1. 2. 3. Notes:
How are the statements above similar to or different from how you typically think about the work you do? How confident do you feel with facilitating adult learning? What strategies do you find most useful for actively involving caregivers in learning during visits?
| El Adult Learning Principles (Childress, 2021; Trivette et al. 2009) | Balanced Intervention Strategies | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| #1-Parents learn best when what is being learned is immediately relevant and useful to them. | Ask about what the caregiver wants the child to be able to do (relevancy) Explore what the parent already knows and is doing first (prior knowledge) Build on caregiver-child interactions | |
| #2-Parents learn best when new knowledge is built on prior knowledge and experience. | Be specific when suggesting a strategy by explaining what and why Let the parent decide which strategy to try Use descriptive language when explaining how the strategy could be used | |
| #3-Parents learn best when they understand what they are learning, why it is important, and how to use it. | Explore natural learning opportunities together by discussing what typically happens and what could be adjusted (active participation) Make space for or facilitate parent-child interaction (practice) Ask if you can observe (context and real-time) Keep your focus on 1-2 skills | |
| #4-Parents learn best through actively participating and practicing what they are learning. | Explore natural learning opportunities together by discussing what typically happens and what could be adjusted (active participation) Make space for or facilitate parent-child interaction (practice) Ask if you can observe (context and real-time) Keep your focus on 1-2 skills | |
| #5-Parents learn and remember best when what they are learning is practiced in context and in real time. | ||
| #6-Parents learn and remember best when they have opportunities to reflect and receive feedback on their learning and performance. | Ask open-ended questions to facilitate reflection Provide specific feedback Link what you observe with the parent's priorities Plan for between visits (relevancy, active participation) |
Resources to Keep On Learning:
- Book: Pause and Reflect: Your Guide to a Deeper Understanding of Early Intervention Practice (Childress, 2021)
- Free Online Module: Supporting Caregiver Learning during Early Intervention Visits (VEIPD eLearning Center, in the Responsibilities of EI Practitioners course)
- Resource Page: Adult Learning and Early Intervention (VEIPD)
- Article: 8 Concepts from Adult Learning that You Can Use to Support Caregivers (TaCTICS, Florida State Univ.)
- Blog: Early Intervention Strategies for Success (VEIPD, search for “adult learning”)