This is Learning.

We have worked hard to understand how we can make this platform work for as many people as possible. If you are interested in the theory behind this, then read on…

Adult Learning Theory

Adult learning theory explains how adults learn differently from children. Adults bring previous experiences, knowledge, and self-awareness to the table, which shapes the way they prefer to learn. The most well-known theory comes from Malcolm Knowles, who introduced the concept of andragogy, which means the art and science of helping adults learn.

Self-Direction: Adults like to take control of their learning. They don’t want to be spoon-fed information. Instead, they want to decide what they learn, how they learn it, and why it’s relevant to them. They appreciate having choices and being treated like capable individuals. – This platform in in your hands, you choose what to take from the menu we have put in front of you.

Experience: Adults rely on their past experiences when learning something new. They often connect new knowledge to things they already know. This is a big difference from how children learn, as adults use these experiences as a foundation for understanding new concepts. – By presenting you with a range of bitesize learning, you can interject these with what you know already. You don’t need to engage with a whole topic to find the thing you need if you already have knowledge in the area.

Goal-Oriented: Adults usually learn with a purpose. They often have a clear reason for why they want to learn something, whether it’s to improve their job skills, solve a personal problem, or explore a new interest. They want learning to be practical and directly applicable to their lives – The search function here will allow you to find the things you need. Think of it as our own version of google but with less mis-information and created by people just like you and I.

Relevance: Adults need to see the relevance of what they’re learning. If it doesn’t relate to their personal or professional life, it’s much harder for them to stay engaged. They need to understand “what’s in it for them” early on – If you’ve come to the platform, its because you need or want something, our job is to make sure what you need is easy to find here and then its down to you to apply it.

Respect: Adults expect to be treated with respect during the learning process. They want their opinions and experiences valued and not be treated like they are back in school. Learning is most effective when it's a collaborative process, not one-way instruction – You will see lots of opportunities to share your experience and knowledge, ask questions and reflect. We might not always all agree, but the two-way street of respect will help us all to take ownership of our learning.