The Three R’s of Learning

As adult learners, we decide whether to accept information presented to us based on three things:

• RELEVANCY
  
• RELATIONSHIP
  
• RESPONSIBILITY
  

We require that the training we receive be relevant to our work or personal life. If it is not relevant and cannot be used, then it is considered to be a waste of precious time.

Adult learners require that lines be drawn to demonstrate the relationship between what we are learning and what we "DO" and how that relationship will meet our needs.

Finally, as long as we can prove that the relationship between what we need to know and what we already know is valid and is presented in a timely and relevant manner, then we will accept the responsibility to learn that material.

Of course there are many other factors that affect adult learners, these three R's are simply an example of how educators can work to ease the information transition.