The Principles of Adult Learning
Course Information

Course Description

Adult learners bring unique experiences, motivations, and expectations to the learning environment. This course explores foundational theories of adult learning, instructional design principles, and evidence-based strategies that support knowledge acquisition, retention, and application. Participants will examine how adults learn, review key instructional design models, and explore approaches for creating engaging and effective educational experiences in classroom, online, and blended environments.

The course also addresses cognitive load theory, learner motivation, technology-enhanced learning, and techniques that improve long-term retention. By applying these concepts, learners can develop educational activities that promote meaningful engagement and support successful learning outcomes.


Course Overview
Module 1: Introduction to Adult Learning

This module will help you understand the basics of adult learning and how that knowledge can be beneficial for allied health educators. You will be introduced to allied health education, educational theory, and how adults learn.

 

Explore the following topics related to an introduction to adult learning:

  • Role of an educator – adjunct/part-time versus full-time
  • Accreditation requirements for institutions and programs
  • Institutional basics including types of schools
  • Educational theories
  • Assumptions and learning styles related to adult learning
  • Cognitive load and other learning theories

 

Module 1 Learning Objectives

  • Describe the differences between being an adjunct/part-time educator and a full-time educator
  • Define accreditation and describe the two types: institutional versus programmatic
  • Identify the seven different types of schools and the characteristics that define them
  • Describe school governance and its role in higher education
  • Identify and describe the three key educational theories: behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism
  • Identify the five assumptions, as defined by Malcolm Knowles, related to adult learning
  • Identify and define the seven learning styles
  • Define cognitive load theory and discuss the three types
  • Identify and define the three adult learning theories

 

Module 2: Instructional Design

This module will help you understand the instructional design process and learning domains and how the knowledge can be beneficial for educators.

 

Explore the following topics related to instructional design:

  • Instructional design
  • Instructional design models
  • Learning domains

 

Module 2 Learning Objectives

  • Discuss basic information concerning instructional design
  • Identify and describe the five instructional design models:           
    • Robert Gagné’s nine instructional design principles
    • The Dick and Carey model
    • Hybrid model
    • ADDIE model
    • ROPES model
  • Identify and describe the three types of learning domains

 

Module 3: Learning Techniques and Technology

This module will introduce you to techniques that can be used to increase knowledge acquisition and retention for learners, as well as how technology can be used effectively with the adult learner.

 

Explore the following topics related to learning techniques and technology:

  • Knowledge acquisition and retention
  • Tools and trends related to knowledge acquisition and retention
  • The adult learner and technology, social media, eLearning, and a personal learning network (PLN)

 

Module 3 Learning Objectives

  • Describe knowledge acquisition and retention
  • Identify factors and strategies that affect adult learning and knowledge acquisition
  • Identify and describe tools being utilized in adult learning
  • Define technology and describe how it affects the adult learner
  • Define social media and describe how it affects the adult learner
  • Identify ways to integrate social media into the classroom and the pros and cons of doing so
  • Define eLearning and describe its relationship to adult learning and its benefits
  • Identify and describe retention techniques for eLearning
  • Describe a personal learning network (PLN)

 

What’s Included
eLearning course with milestone practice test and a downloadable companion eHandbook.

Key Takeaways
  • Describe key theories and assumptions that influence adult learning.
  • Explain how instructional design models support effective educational planning and delivery.
  • Apply cognitive load theory principles to improve learner engagement and retention. 
  • Identify strategies that promote knowledge acquisition, retention, and transfer to practice. 
  • Compare educational technologies and emerging trends that support adult learners in digital environments. 
Course Contributors
American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
Intended Audience
This course is designed for medical assistants, CMA (AAMA) professionals, allied health educators, clinical instructors, preceptors, and health care professionals involved in education or training. Learners will gain practical strategies for designing, delivering, and evaluating learning experiences that support adult learners in clinical, academic, and professional development settings.
Retake Information
One retake on the exam is allowed.
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Ready to Complete the ABC-AHE Program?
Want to earn the Assessment-Based Certificate Program in Allied Health Education (ABC-AHE)? Learners who’ve passed all three individual courses of the ABC-AHE can request the final exam for the entire ABC-AHE by emailing ContinuingEducation@aama-ntl.org at no additional cost. Requests will be processed in approximately three to five business days. If the learner passes the final exam, they will have earned the Assessment-Based Certificate Program in Allied Health Education.
Summary
Availability:
On-Demand
Cost:
Member: $175.00
Nonmember: $265.00
CEU Offered:
7 General CEUs
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