Designs for Optimal Learning: Adult Learning Theory

Nursing professional development practitioners must be knowledgeable about learning theories in education and educational psychology to design effective classroom learning experiences. Structured onboarding programs like Perioperative 101 support transition to practice and can influence nurse satisfaction and retention. Are you intentional about incorporating adult learning principles into your Perioperative 101 course?

Adult Learners

Malcolm Knowles advanced the field of andragogy by defining the characteristics of adult learners (Sidebar 1). Adult learners are internally and externally motivated to learn based on social contexts and a desire to apply information to solve real-world problems. They are self-directed and construct new knowledge by integrating information with their existing database of personal experiences. Social learning promotes the integration of different perspectives and facilitates collective understanding in team-based environments.

Sidebar 1. Characteristics of Adult Learners¹

• Want to understand why they need to learn new knowledge or skills
• Are self-directed and have intrinsic motivation for learning
• Relate new knowledge to past experiences to create new meaning
• Want to learn when they can immediately apply the knowledge to solve a problem

Adult Learning Theory

There are several adult learning theories described in the literature, which can be applied to Periop 101 (Table 1).

Table 1. Applying Adult Learning Theory to Periop 101

Learning Objectives

Learning objectives are developed, and they are purpose driven. To develop purpose-driven learning objectives, the objectives must be clearly defined and connected to the goals of the learner. Consider conducting an initial self-assessment to identify the learning needs of the adult learner and provide an opportunity for the learner to ask questions and to connect the learner with their individual learning goals and outcomes. Finally, after the learning objectives are presented, provide time for the learners to ask questions before starting the learning activities.

Content

Content is organized and designed blending teaching strategies and learning theories. First, map out the content in an outline in a logical order that builds by topic or complexity. For example, starting with a reflection question can open discussion so learners can share related experiences, call forward old information that can be integrated into this topic, identify their motivation to learn this topic, and connect relevance. Then integrate a variety of active learning strategies as appropriate to the topic (Table 1). Finally, plan a periodic review of the information using a gaming format like jeopardy, an electronic quiz platform like Kahoot, or a written reflection like the clearest and muddiest point from today. An example learning plan for the patient safety module in the Periop 101 program is provided in Sidebar 2.

Sidebar 2. Sample Learning Plan for the Periop 101 Patient Safety Module

1. Learning objectives
   1. By the end of this lecture, learners will be able to:
      1. Describe the elements of a culture of safety
      2. List perioperative environment zones and attire requirements to prevent patient infections
      3. Identify staff roles and responsibilities to promote good teamwork
      4. Demonstrate standardized communication techniques that team members can implement to support patient safety
      5. Identify life safety measures to protect patient safety
      6. Explain fall prevention strategies to prevent patient injury
   2. Questions?
2. Culture of safety
   3. Reflection question: What does a culture of patient safety mean to you?
   4. Elements of a culture of safety
      1. Develop initiatives aimed at reducing errors
         1. Quality improvement puzzle: Place cards labeled with each step of the facility’s quality improvement process in one stack and project examples of the steps in a second stack. Ask the students to order and label the steps correctly then discuss the impact of the project on patient safety outcomes
      2. Engage patients to participate in their care through education
         1. Role play in groups of three
      3. Create a safe environment
         1. Just culture
            1. Case study: Applying the facility just culture algorithm in two examples
         2. Teamwork
            1. Pair and share: Think about the best and worst examples of teamwork you have experienced. What made the experience the best? The worst? How can you personally support good teamwork?
         3. Communication
   
   

   References

   1. Core Curriculum for Nursing Professional Development. Chicago, IL: ANPD; 2017.
   2. Biec E. The Art and Science of Training. Alexandria, VA: ATD Press; 2017.
   
   

   AORN Resources

   AORN members can access:

   • Improving knowledge of an infection prevention bundle using adult learning education – AORN Journal
   • Innovative and Effective Education Strategies for Adult Learners in the Perioperative Setting – AORN Journal