HCBS Training
Assessing Adult Learning Strategies Already Being Used
Training staff requires an understanding about how adults learn. Including a variety of ways to teach person-centered skills can help provide people with a deeper understanding of this practice. Staff can learn new skills using by:
- Reading online modules,
- Discussing topics in small groups,
- Working together on learning activities,
- Watching others implementing practices, and
- Working along side another staff person who is modeling the skills.
Teams interested in improving training for new staff start the process by building on the staff training program’s current strengths and needs.
A pioneer in adult education, Malcolm Knowles, recommended the following strategies for adult learners:
- Explain why a new skill is important to know and understand,
- Allow people the freedom to learn in their own way,
- Create opportunities for people to try skills and observe the results,
- Understand when the time is right for learning to occur, and
- Use strategies that are positive and encouraging.
Make a list of adult learning strategies that your team can add to the staff training. Does your organization use different strategies to help staff learn important skills?
Activity
Please use the MN Team Checklist and the HCBS Planning Tool to complete the activity.
Checklist item 21: Performance-based management process for training staff includes details about person-centered and positive support practices.
What are the types of learning approaches that are currently used?
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If you haven't already done so please use these links to access the tools.