Adult Learning Flashcards

When selecting between synchronous and asynchronous delivery for adult learners, the PRIMARY consideration should be:

Answer: Whether real-time interaction and collaboration are essential to the learning objectives

The learning objectives and the degree to which social interaction drives outcomes should determine the delivery modality choice.

A trainer incorporates 'retrieval practice' into a workshop by having participants:

Answer: Recall and write down key concepts from memory without looking at materials

Retrieval practice (the testing effect) strengthens memory by requiring learners to actively pull information from memory rather than passively review it.

The principle of 'chunking' in adult training design refers to:

Answer: Breaking complex information into smaller, manageable units to reduce cognitive load

Chunking organizes information into meaningful clusters that fit within working memory limits, improving comprehension and retention.

An adult learner brings significant negative past experience with formal education into training. The trainer should MOST appropriately respond by:

Answer: Acknowledging the experience, establishing a learner-centered environment, and building early success

Acknowledging past experience validates the learner while a supportive environment and early wins help rebuild confidence and engagement.

In the context of adult learning, 'motivation hygiene' theory (Herzberg) suggests trainers should:

Answer: Address dissatisfiers (poor environment, unclear objectives) before relying on intrinsic motivators

Herzberg's theory shows that eliminating hygiene factors (dissatisfiers) is a prerequisite before intrinsic motivators can meaningfully drive performance.

Which of the following is an example of 'active learning' appropriate for adult learners?

Answer: Completing a structured problem-solving simulation in small groups

Active learning requires learners to engage cognitively—analyze, apply, create—making group simulations a strong example of this approach.

A CT candidate is asked to evaluate whether a training intervention improved adult learner performance. The MOST credible evaluation design would include:

Answer: Pre- and post-assessments with a control group and on-the-job performance metrics

Pre/post measurement with a control group and performance data provides evidence of learning gain and real-world transfer, the strongest evaluation design.