Development Theories

There are many reasons that the stages of Adult Development are important.  Initially, I would say that we need to keep in mind the various stages of development of the “learners” in training programs or classes.  But, before I get to that, I think that one very important reason that teachers or trainers need to understand Adult Development is that we need to honestly reflect at what stage we are at, and continue to strive for further personal development.  If we still perceive many things as right v. wrong, then we cannot really expect much more from others.  Even at Perry’s second level of Cognitive Development Theory, multiplicity, we may accept diversity and uncertainty but we wouldn’t necessarily celebrate it.  I would of course love to think that I have reached “LEVEL FOUR” – but I can’t guarantee that is always the case.  It is much easier to think there is a right way to do something, while simply accepting that others may disagree.  But if we really want to help others think through problems and further their development, we need to make sure that we consistently respect the experiences that we have had and those of others.  Then we can draw on those experiences to create meaning and understanding, based on what we read, discuss and continue to experience.  Continuing to question and listen, I think (hope) helps me to continually learn. 

I believe that in the training context, it is also very important to understand the developmental stages of the various participants in a program.  Whether looking through an Age Theory, Stage Theory or Cognitive Development lenses, there is a likelihood that a training program could include participants that are at a range of stages.  It is not always immediately obvious what stage each person is at.  If some participants seeing everything as right v. wrong, however, they could hamper discussion and sharing of experiences.  In cases like those, we would need to develop strategies to help control the session so that everyone’s experiences are valued and discussed. 

Adult Development also helps us think about our learning strategies, to try and continue enhancing development for ourselves and others.  Often when thinking about ways to share information, a more lecture style program is easier  Unfortunately, that may not cater to the higher levels of development in the most productive way.  Drawing on others’ experiences, and helping to put ideas into context, can help increase everyone’s learning.

Even after thinking about why it is important, however, I am still honestly stuck a bit on the practical side of implementation.  I think it will be a challenge for me to try and strive for more programs and discussions that best help further personal development.  I hope, at least initially, by simply being cognizant of the stages I can recognize when there is a need and/or an opportunity to encourage discussion in a beneficial way.

How Do I Learn?

The question “How Do I Learn” seemed easy enough initially.  I expected that I could just reflect on my many years of “learning” through school and work, and easily write about that.  Unfortunately, as I thought about it, I realized there was no easy answer.  There was not one specific way that I learned, instead for many years I just learned however it is that I was taught.  Through school and many training sessions at work, I absorbed a great deal of information through listening to a lecture and taking notes.  There were many times that I learned simply through reading.  Other times I learned through watching others do something, or doing it myself.  When going through the list of examples of how adults learn that we discussed during class, I can relate to many of them – practice, repetition, discussion, application, examples, mistakes, stories, and teaching someone else.

So I tried to determine how do I learn best??  I have definitely developed specific skills through trial and error -- experience and mistakes have been wonderful teachers in my life.  But if given a choice, I wouldn’t choose to learn through just doing.  I am much better when I have time for preparing, figuring things out in my mind and planning, before I start doing.  When reading about and discussing self-directed learning, I definitely can relate to that in my adult life (and in many instances, even younger).  Still, I cannot pick just one type of “learning” that is best for me.  So, I have concluded that I learn best through a couple of stages.  Optimally, I first have some overview information about a topic to read on my own.  While reading alone is not sufficient when I am trying to learn about a new skill or topic, it helps give me some context.  Then, preferably, I speak with someone very knowledgeable about the subject and I learn through discussion, including a demonstration where possible.  I also like to have an opportunity to ask questions, to ensure I have an accurate and thorough understanding.  Usually, I will take notes during the discussion or demonstration, which I then read over a few times on my own to reinforce the key points. 

This week, while I was thinking about how I learn, a situation came up at work that exemplified my preference.  I have some difficulty with technology.  Luckily, my co-worker is an expert.  On numerous occasions she has simply shown me how to do various things, but unfortunately I rarely retain the information.  Earlier this week, a presenter for a training program wanted the computer and PowerPoint set up in a certain way, but I didn’t know how to do it.  My co-worker gave me written directions, which I read through numerous times.  Then, when she met me in the conference room before the program, I already had a decent understanding of what to do.  A few questions and a short demonstration later and I (hopefully) have mastered it.  Granted, I did take a few notes for future reference, that I have already read through.  Afterwards, I smiled when recognizing this perfect example of how I learn best. 

I guess I am lucky that I have been exposed to so many different teaching styles throughout my life.  And each of the teachers, whether in school, work or simply through life, have all taught me very valuable things. But if given a choice, I will always choose to learn by reading, discussing, watching and then reading again (plus writing notes throughout).  That has proven to be most effective for me.