Designing Instruction

The adult learning theories of andragogy, experiential learning, self-directed learning, transformational learning, and project-based learning point to five principles for designing instructional activities for adult learners.

5 principles for instructional activities

  1. Authentic: Base curriculum and interactions on real world, authentic situations that learners are familiar with, and/or will encounter in the classroom.

  2. Active: Help learners “do” something with new information, whether it is in the context of a simulation, or a real-world problem to solve.

  3. Reflective: Create opportunities for regular and periodic reflection throughout the learning experience — including self-reflection, group reflection, and peer reflection.

  4. Self-Paced: Design ways for learners to control the pace of their learning, such as the ability to pause, repeat or control the order of material, or access learning material anytime, anywhere.

  5. Collaborative: Incorporate ways for learners to interact with alternative points of view, either via projects and activities, or through collaborations with others who have diverse views and experiences.


General guidelines for instructional activities (for adults)

  1. Leverage technology that keeps them learning.

  2. Use visuals wisely.

  3. Add appropriate audio.

  4. Use conversational presenters that the learner can see.

  5. Get the right (concrete) content.

  6. Aim for consistency.

  7. Provide supplementary materials.