Teacher Leader KnowledgeBase

This KnowledgeBase archive includes content and external links that were accurate and relevant as of September 30, 2019.

The Teacher Leader KnowledgeBase aims to raise awareness of the teacher leader role at the district level and to support teachers aspiring to the teacher leader role through master's degree-level university programs.

Task 1: Apply Strategies of Adult Learning

Guideline: As noted at a Rochester Institute of Technology website, adult learners' leading characteristics include being problem-centered, results-oriented and self-directed, questioning, seeking education to meet their needs and looking for learning that is timely and appropriate. Adults approach learning differently than young people. A teacher in a leadership role needs to be aware of these differences and implement appropriate strategies for adult learning. This task provides resources to assist in gaining such awareness.

Resources

Practical Tips

Characteristics of Adult Learners

This Rochester Institute of Technology website provides a comparison of the learning characteristics of adult and youth learners. The content also suggests teaching strategies for adult learners, teaching styles, thinking styles and learning styles. While intended for instructors of online courses, the content may be helpful to teachers in a leadership role as they interact with their colleagues.

Engaging Learners in Learning: A Checklist for Face-to-Face Settings

This link is to an article prepared by Professor and Distance Education/Teaching-Learning Specialist Joan Cybela from the University of Wisconsin-Extension, Madison. The article offers suggested approaches to use to engage adult learners.

References

ASCD

As noted at its website, ASCD "is an educational leadership organization dedicated to advancing best practices and policies for the success of each learner."

Andragogy: Adult Learning Theory

This link is to a summary of Malcolm Knowles' theory of andragogy, a learning theory focused on the needs of adults.

Learning Forward

This link is to the website of Learning Forward, the former National Staff Development Council. The website provides resources for educators engaged in professional learning.

Learning Strategies

This link is to an article from the American Society for Training & Development's Learning Circuits publication. The article discusses techniques adults use in learning.

The Leading Teacher

The Leading Teacher is a Learning Forward publication devoted to teachers fulfilling a coaching role with fellow teachers.