A. The learning experience supports effective adult learning

Adults learn best when they want or need to learn something, and when the learning focuses on relevant problems and practical applications. The nature of LearnSphere’s programs means that these two conditions are generally met.

Other conditions that support adult learning are your responsibility:

Provide a non-threatening environment
Make sure learners feel recognized and valued for their personal experience
Provide opportunities for learners to participate actively in learning (both cognitively and by interacting physically with the learning material)
Plan sufficient time for the learners to assimilate the learning
Provide participants with opportunities to practice and apply what they have learned
Provide participants with feedback on their progress (if the length and format of your
program allows)

Background information and resources:

Knowles’ Principles of Adult Learning

Understanding Adult Learning Theory

Applying Adult Learning Theory

B. Learning outcomes are clearly defined

Learning outcomes go beyond simply listing the topics to be covered. They focus on what learners should know and be able to do by the end of the course. They emphasize how learners will use the knowledge or skills in real life.

Developing learning outcomes provides benefits for you and for the learners:

For you: Helps you plan your learning activities to help you get your desired results
For the learner: Helps them to see the potential benefits of the course; increases their
readiness to learn.

Simple and clear learning outcomes are the foundation of a well designed and delivered learning event. We ask that you use Bloom’s Taxonomy Verbs when writing your learning outcomes. Following are some examples of well-written learning outcomes. We have bolded the Bloom’s Taxonomy verb to help you understand how to use them when creating your own learning outcomes:

Example 1:

Event Title: Delivering Quality Learning Experiences Online.

This was a professional development activity for Associates.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the online workshop you will:

Understand the purpose of the LearnSphere Toolkit
Understand learning outcomes as the foundation of a learning event
Create a learning cycle using Kolb's Experiential Design Model And LearnSphere's Learning Plan Template

Example 2:

Event Title: Understanding Consumers.

This was a module in the Supply Chain 123: Food & Beverage program

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module you will be able to:

Define consumer and customer needs
Access trends impacting food processors
Describe your target consumer

Background information and resources:

What is Bloom’s Taxonomy?

Bloom’s Taxonomy Verbs

C. The workshop has a learning plan

One of the best ways to guarantee you are designing and delivering quality learning is through the creation of a written learning plan. As one of the first steps in your design process, writing a learning plan can help you ensure you are meeting the other standards detailed in this toolkit.

Our learning plan template is formatted so that you can quickly see if you are accommodating all learning styles, that you following the learning cycle for each objective, and how much time you are spending on each to ensure learners are actively engaged and have time to assimilate and apply the learning. Feel free to adapt the template to your preferences.

We strongly recommend you create a learning plan for all offering, and especially so when delivering a content for the first time online. If you are offered coaching support from LearnSphere to aid in the design and delivery of online learning, you will be required to create a learning plan.

Background information and resources:

Quality Learning Planner