APP 4

Application: Effective Learning Experiences and Instruction

Part 1: Course Project Interview #2

In the last 2 weeks you have focused on techniques for developing effective learning experiences, including making sure your lectures and discussions are active and engaging. You have learned from experts through your reading and on video. In this Application, you will learn from the firsthand experiences and perspectives of another professional—an adult educator working within the early childhood field.

To prepare for the interview, find the "Interview #2 With a Professional Adult Educator: Effective Learning Experiences and Instruction" in this week’s Learning Resources or by clicking the link that follows.

Interview #2 With a Professional Adult Educator: Effective Learning Experiences and Instruction

This interview experience will provide you with a snapshot of the nature of the learning experiences with which the educator is most familiar, such as multiweek courses or individual information/training sessions; his or her emphasis on critical thinking, creative thinking and/or problem solving; his or her use of lecture and discussion; and professional tips for effective instruction. Add interview questions to the document that address your areas of curiosity or concern, as well as any other topics you'd like to cover.

After the interview, review your notes/taped record to get a coherent picture of the educator’s experiences and points of view. Then, reflect on what you have learned and write a summary of:

• The interview, including key points about the setting in the early childhood field in which the adult educator is working, adult learners with whom the educator works (who they are, experience they bring, strengths, challenges, etc.), advice or strategies for developing learning experiences, advice or strategies for presenting content effectively, and your reflection with regard to working in this area of the early childhood field
• Ways in which this interview has informed your future work with adult learners

(Assignment length: approximately 3–4 pages)

Part 2: Compiling a Strategies for Teaching Adults Toolkit

Drawing from your Learning Resources this week, describe at least three strategies that you will add to your Toolkit for presenting content and guiding discussions to engage learners and provide a rationale for your choices.

(Assignment length: approximately 2 pages)

Note: You need only to submit Part 1 of this Application Assignment. Title Part 2 of this assignment "Week 4: Toolkit" and save it to the folder you created in Week 1.

Submit this assignment by Sunday of this week.