How to Coach Yourself and Others How To Perform On The Job Coaching | Page 156

The trainee’s responsibilities include
• Being actively involved in the training
• Developing a relationship with the coach
• Mastering the material taught

9.7 Unit 3: Coaching Adults
Characteristics of Adult Learners
Adults learn differently than children. Some characteristics of adult learning that research has taught
us are shown on the pie chart below. Coaching strategies based on adult learner characteristics are
given in the table.
Characteristics
of Adult Learners

Coaching Strategies

.
.

Self-directed

Adults tend to take the initiative in learning. As a coach, you
serve as a facilitator and allow the trainee to help set the pace
based on how comfortable he or she is with the new skills.

Experience-based

Adults have accumulated a foundation of knowledge over their
lifetime. Help the trainee connect learning to this knowledge and
experience base by drawing out experience that is relevant to
what is being taught.

Practical

Adults learn something in order to apply it. There must be a jobrelated application for what is being learned. Explain how the
lesson content will be useful on the job.

Problem-centred

Adults learn from real life examples . Show the trainee how new
knowledge and skills can be applied to solving work problems.

Goal-oriented

Adults appreciate a program that is organized and has clearly
defined objectives. Show the trainee how the training will help
him or her achieve goals.

Adult Learners Activity
Based on the class discussion, write notes about how you would incorporate these characteristics
into your coaching:
Characteristics of
adult learners

Coaching strategies

.
.

Self-directed
Experience-based
Practical
Problem-centred
Goal- oriented

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