Empower. Engage. Elevate.

Are you an educator, trainer, or instructional designer looking to enhance your ability to connect with and inspire adult learners? Dive into "Foundational Principles & Practices for Teaching the Adult Learner," a comprehensive course designed to equip you with essential tools and strategies to succeed in adult education.


Course Modules

  • Module 1: What is an Adult Learner?

    Explore the biological, social, legal, and psychological dimensions of adulthood. Gain a deeper understanding of who adult learners are and how their unique characteristics influence their learning needs.

  • Module 2: A Snapshot Look at Andragogy

    Learn the six principles of andragogy developed by Dr. Malcolm Knowles. Discover how to foster self-directed learning, integrate learners' experiences, and address their readiness and motivation to learn.

  • Module 3: Generally Accepted Principles for Teaching Adult Learners

    Examine best practices for adult education, including designing relevant, practical, and respectful learning environments that align with adults' goals and experiences.

  • Module 4: Research-Based Instructional Methods

    Master diverse teaching strategies such as the "Sage on the Stage" and "Guide on the Side." Discover methods to engage learners through collaborative projects and real-world problem-solving.

  • Module 5: Instruction Delivery Strategies – In and Out of the Classroom

    Explore techniques for both classroom and virtual learning environments. Learn how to facilitate effective discussions, group projects, and hands-on activities.

  • Module 6: Sample Classroom Setups

    Design flexible learning spaces with popular classroom arrangements, including assembly, workshop, lecture, and discussion group setups. Understand how physical environments impact adult learning.

  • Module 7: Digital Tools for Empowering Adult Learners

    Explore cutting-edge platforms like Padlet, Kahoot!, Canva, and Thinglink that transform the learning experience. Learn how these tools can foster collaboration, engagement, and accessibility in your teaching practices.

  • Module 8: Bonus Module: The 5E Instructional Model

    Discover how to enhance your lesson planning using the 5E framework—Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. This model promotes active learning by guiding students through a structured process that deepens understanding and encourages critical thinking.

What You’ll Learn

  • Understand the unique traits of adult learners and adapt your teaching style to meet their needs.

  • Apply principles of andragogy to create meaningful, relevant, and engaging learning experiences.

  • Incorporate innovative teaching strategies to foster collaboration, motivation, and real-world application.

  • Design effective classroom and online learning environments tailored to adult learners.

Who Should Enroll?

This course is perfect for:

  • Educators transitioning to adult education.

  • Corporate trainers developing employee learning programs.

  • Instructional designers creating content for adult learners.

  • Lifelong learners passionate about advancing their teaching skills.

Why Choose This Course?

Adults bring unique experiences, motivations, and learning styles to education. This course empowers you to:

  • Adapt to diverse learning preferences.

  • Design practical, goal-oriented lessons.

  • Create engaging environments that respect and inspire adult learners.

Meet Your Expert Instructor


Dr. Larry A. Mercer brings over four decades of experience in education, leadership, and coaching. As a certified instructional designer and life/career coach, he has influenced learners across the globe, from the United States, Africa,  the Caribbean and Europe. The course content he has compiled ensures you gain actionable insights and proven techniques to transform your teaching practice.



Special Course Features

  • Self-Paced Learning:

    Flexible modules designed to fit your schedule.

  • Interactive Activities:

    Quizzes, projects, and discussion forums to deepen your understanding.

  • Expert Insights:

    Learn from a globally recognized leader in adult education.

  • Certificate of Completion:

    Receive a certificate of completion to showcase your expertise in teaching adult learners.

Course curriculum

    1. Introduction

    2. Course Overview

    1. Welcome to Module 1

    2. Introduction to Adult Learners

    3. Biological Dimension of Adulthood

    4. Legal Dimension of Adulthood

    5. Social Dimension of Adulthood

    6. Psychological Dimension of Adulthood

    7. Reflective Activity

    8. Module Review and Knowledge Check

    9. Multiple Choice Quiz: Understanding Adult Learners

    10. From Module 1 to Module 2

    1. Welcome to Module 2:

    2. The Need to Know

    3. The Learner’s Self-Concept

    4. The Role of Experience

    5. Readiness to Learn

    6. Orientation to Learning

    7. Motivation

    8. Reflective Activity

    9. Module Review and Knowledge Check

    10. Multiple Choice Quiz: A Snapshot Look at Andragogy

    11. From Module 2 to Module 3

    1. Welcome to Module 3

    2. Principle #1 - Internally Driven Learning

    3. Principle #2 - The Role of Experience

    4. Principle #3 - Sensitivity to Goals

    5. Principle #4 - Relevance

    6. Principle #5 - Practicality

    7. Principle #6 - Respect

    8. Reflective Activity

    9. Module Review and Knowledge Check

    10. Multiple Choice Quiz: Principles for Teaching Adult Learners

    11. From Module 3 to Module 4:

    1. Welcome to Module 4

    2. Lecture Presentation

    3. Small Group Reflection

    4. In-Class Group Project

    5. Class Discussion

    6. Student Presentation

    7. Reflective Activity

    8. Module Review and Knowledge Check

    9. Multiple Choice Quiz: Research-Based Instructional Methods

    10. From Module 4 to Module 5

    1. Welcome to Module 5

    2. Lecture Presentation

    3. Class Discussions

    4. In-Class Group Projects

    5. Practitioner Interviews

    6. Field Observations

    7. Reflective Activity

    8. Module Review and Knowledge Check

    9. Multiple Choice Quiz: Sample Instruction Delivery Strategies for the Classroom

    10. From Module 5 to Module 6

About this course

  • $49.95
  • 90 lessons
  • 0 hours of video content

Enroll Today

Take the next step in your professional journey. Enroll now to revolutionize your approach to adult education and make a lasting impact on your learners.

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